Yes, the law interferes with "family rights" of RSO parents, and that is what the lawsuit is all about. The law effectively tells RSO parents to abandon their children on Halloween.
10-21-2008 Missouri:
CLAY COUNTY, Mo. - The debate is on....could a new Missouri law aimed at sex offenders go too far when it comes to protecting children on Halloween night?
The law, passed this summer, requires registered sex offenders to do two things or else.
As kids head out in search of treats this Halloween they may also run across signs telling them no candy here.
Clay County Sheriff Paul Vescovo says, "I think it's a great idea that way they'll be safe and protected, and we at least would know what house to go to, which one not to go to, I think it's great."
A new Missouri law requires registered sex offenders to put signs in their yards that read "no candy or treats at this residence.” They also have to stay home Halloween night and leave their outside lights off.
Vescovo added, "We're here to enforce the law. But by doing this we will be giving parents a piece of mind."
The Clay County Sheriff's and Prosecutors offices are sending out 156 letters to registered sex offenders telling them about the new law.
Four Missouri prisoners are suing the state over the law saying it violates their privacy and threatens family time.
Clay County Prosecutor Dan White disagrees.
"You were found guilty or pled guilty to a crime in Missouri that said now you have to register as a sex offender you got yourself on that list based upon your behavior. In my opinion we need to do everything we can if they are out in the community to protect the children."
The sheriff's department will be patrolling the county on Halloween night. Deputies will check on every listed sex offender to make sure they are compliant with the law. That makes parents like Theresa Durocher feel much safer.
"Sounds like a great plan to me,” she says.
If a sex offender is found violating the new law, they face up to one year in jail.
If you would like to find out where the sex offenders live in your county, you can check on your county's government Web site.
The law requires registered offenders to make a sign that let's children know there's no trick or treating and turn off the lights. ..News Source.. by Gary Brauer
October 21, 2008
MO- Does Sex Offender Law Go Too Far?
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1 comment:
Clay County Sheriff Paul Vescovo says, "I think it's a great idea that way they'll be safe and protected, and we at least would know what house to go to, which one not to go to, I think it's great."
This is a very ignorant statement to make. No one has ever determined that keeping a Registered Sex Offender from participating in Halloween will protect [even one child].
This is just another "prejudice" remark made by yet another uneducated un-informed law enforcement officer.
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