ABINGDON, VA – The mother of a 19-year old UVA honors student has launched a campaign to change a federal law that she contends is outdated and likely contributed to her daughter’s death. Shelley Goldsmith died of heat stroke last summer at an electronic dance music (EDM) event in...
Please sign the petition to ensure that public safety measures to reduce drug-related harm are not deterred by federal law.
My name is Dede Goldsmith. On August 31, 2013, my daughter, Shelley, died of heat stroke at an electronic dance music (EDM) concert in Washington D.C. after taking MDMA. Her death was partly the result of a dated law from 2003 called the RAVE Act that prevents safe settings at EDM events. Please join me in signing this petition. It is time for a “safety first” approach to drug use that includes harm reduction measures along with current law enforcement efforts.
Dear Congress,
I urge you to enact legislation to amend the 2003 Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act (aka the RAVE Act) to ensure that music venue owners and event organizers can implement common sense safety measures to protect their patrons and reduce the risk of medical emergencies, including those associated with drug use, without fear of prosecution by federal authorities.
As the law currently stands, many owners and organizers are reluctant to institute such measures, fearing they may be accused of “maintaining a drug involved premises” under the Act, and thus opening themselves to criminal or civil prosecution. By clarifying the original intent of the Act, you will be ensuring that it can no longer be misinterpreted in ways that jeopardize public safety.
Respectfully,
(your signature)
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