A Missouri law requiring registered sex offenders to display signs on Halloween has been deemed unconstitutional by US District Judge John Ross. The law, enacted in 2008, mandated such offenders post signs stating, "No candy or treats at this residence." Ross ruled it violated the First Amendment by enforcing "compelled speech" and infringing upon offenders' freedom of expression. However, other provisions, such as a curfew and keeping outdoor lights off, remain valid.
The ruling sparked diverse reactions. Some citizens argue stringent measures are crucial for protecting children on Halloween night. Conversely, opponents, including lawyer Janice Bellucci, contend the sign law perpetuates stigma and unnecessarily punishes offenders beyond their served time. Others, like Alison Feigh from the Zero Abuse Project, argue such signs provide a false sense of security and fail to prevent abuse. But Tara Bishop, a local mother, expressed concern, viewing the ruling as prioritizing offenders' rights over victims'. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey vowed to appeal, emphasizing the state's commitment to child safety.
The case was brought by Thomas L. Sanderson. He was convicted of second-degree sodomy in 2006 and said he asked police if the law applied to him because he was convicted before it passed. He says he was told it did not, and staged Halloween parties as a result. He challenged the law after his arrest for not displaying the sign in 2022. Other locations, including Butts County, Georgia, and Simi Valley, California, have seen their own attempts at requiring signs flounder in the face of legal challenges. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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