It appears there is no law requiring this for ALL registered sex offenders. However, it appears to be a rule JUST FOR those on parole or probation. See article below...
UPDATE: This Maryland story is being MISREPORTED in the media, they are saying, restrictions pertain to ALL registered sex offenders, which is not correct. No wonder there is hysteria nationwide about this.
Further, the media is also combining this Maryland story with one in Missouri, where there is a lawsuit over the restrictions there. However, even that story is being MISREPORTED, in Missouri the lawsuit is by FOUR SEX OFFENDERS (Parents/Grandparents)only, and it pertains to how the law petains to their families ONLY.
10-16-2008 Maryland:
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Parents in Maryland are being told that not every house with a pumpkin is a Halloween stop for their trick-or-treating children.
Sex offenders in Maryland have begun receiving paper signs in the mail that show a pumpkin and read "No candy at this residence," which they must post on their front doors for Halloween or face a parole violation.
The signs and letters began arriving last week in the mailboxes of about 1,200 violent and child-sex offenders across the state.
"By making a commitment to refrain from participating in Halloween activities, you will enable the children and parents in your neighborhood to enjoy the holiday without undue anxiety," said the letter signed by Patrick McGee, Director of the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation. "In addition, you will also protect yourself from misunderstandings and the allegations that may arise from them."
The signs were accompanied by a letter explaining they must stay at home, turn off outside lights and not answer the door on Halloween.
"Because Halloween is a holiday during which large numbers of children interact with strangers, the concern among parents and other community members about sexual offenders in their neighborhoods is naturally intensified during this time of the year," the letter said.
The state began the program in 2005. Maryland is among a number of states placing Halloween restrictions on sex offenders. Maryland's regulations are almost identical to those adopted in Missouri, where four convicted sex offenders and the American Civil Liberties Union are challenging the state law in federal court.
Maryland is also distributing pamphlets statewide to warn families to stay away from homes with the pumpkin signs.
"We've had very good results," Wonda Adams, said a supervisor at the Parole and Probation Division and coordinator of the Halloween watch program.
"Our goal is public safety, and in keeping with that we need to make sure that the individuals under our supervision are provided with the enhanced supervision that we're committed to." ..News Source.. by WBAL TV11
October 16, 2008
MD- No Candy: Sex Offenders Must Post Halloween Sign
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4 comments:
The only undue ANXIETY is the blatant lies being tossed around about STRANGER DANGER. If folks are nieve enough to believe everything they READ or HEAR then those folks get to inherit the stupidity that is attached to it.
Kids have been Halloweening for YEARS. The times are no more different than when I wss a child. You watch your kid. Take responsibility for their safety and everyone comes home with a bag of goodies.
Let them lead you like sheep and you will become like sheep. FEARFUL.
One thing different sheep have a purpose for fear when they are left in the field unattended.
Who is next in line to be the beaten step child once the fun is all gone?
And where is the ACLU in Maryland on this issue???????????
I don't understand why they would include the pumpkin image on these signs, to confuse kids even more? That pumpkins are evil? Next they'll be banning pumpkins altogether I guess. Where are these lawmakers minds at? Turning off your outside lights is sufficient. Every parent and kid knows if the lights are out not to go to that house. SO stupid and completely unneccesary!
Why is the American public so irrational over the term "sex offender"? This is insanity! I feel if the public atually understood what 99% of the persons on the sex offenders registery were actually convicted of they would feel very differently.
The problem is they don't understand... They don't know...Politicians and legislatures use the buzz words "sex offender" when even they don't know what it means.
99% of registrants are not dangerous nor are they perverts more often than not the "offenders" have been victimized by prosecutors for personal gain.
I think every politician, every legislator should have to read the entire case of 50 "sex offenders" from their district each year. They will quickly realize the registrants are not who the public needs to fear.
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