wcax.com (Vermont): Parole agency plans Halloween restrictions on sex offenders.
al.com (Alabama): Offenders must be off streets on holiday.
albanyherald.com (New York) : Sex offender under close Halloween scrutiny.
These are just a few of the national stories on such hysteria. See previous post: "Halloween Sex Offender Policies Questioned":
"Sex crimes against pre-teen children are no higher during Halloween than at any other times of the year. Research has found that the highest danger for children during the Halloween season was from pedestrian- motor vehicle accidents, not from sexual abuse by strangers. Researchers found no increased rate of sexual abuse during the Halloween season."
courthousenews.com : Sex offenders sue over Halloween restrictions law.
St. Louis - Registered sex offenders say Missouri's is unconstitutionally restricting their activity during Halloween. The plaintiffs, who are parents, say the law is too vague, particularly as it applies to their own children and grandchildren.
The new law took effect June 30. It prohibits all Halloween-related contact with children; orders the offenders to stay inside their homes between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. unless there is an emergency; orders them to post a sign stating, "No candy or treats at this residence;" and orders them to turn their outside lights off after 5 p.m. on Halloween.
The plaintiffs say they don't know how to conform to these rules with respect to their own children and grandchildren and fear undue prosecution. They are represented by Anthony Rothert of the ACLU.
The defendants include Missouri Attorney General Jeremiah Nixon, Gov. Matt Blunt, and other law enforcement officials. Read lawsuit here (PDF)
