I just read this story:

Sex Offenders’ Homes to Be Marked With Pumpkin Symbol

Basically, if you’re a registered sex offender in this town, you are being forced to put a special sign on your door that says ‘No candy at this residence’, turn out your lights, and not participate in Halloween.

Hmmm.

This is an interesting issue. On one hand, I have to ask – does this take parenting completely out of the equation? I’m not parent, but when I was little I never went out alone – I was either with my parents, or when I was older, with a group of friends. Has this removed any responsibility on the part of the parents to protect their children? If it were me, I’d like to think I’d be looking up where the registered sex offenders lived, and making sure I stayed away. I wouldn’t need a pumpkin sign on a door.

The larger question then becomes if this is over the top? Is it too much? It’s a hard question to answer, because ultimately the sex offender system I think needs a desperate overhaul. I like it. I agree with it. I support it. But I think it needs some changes. I don’t think it’s right that an 18 year old kid who gets in trouble for shacking up in some form with his 16 year old girlfriend deserves the same label as a child rapist/molester or violent serial rapist. So that issue is out there. I understand that.

Some think that it’s crossing a line, and ask “What’s next? Will people that commit car theft need to wear a paper car around their neck to indicate they might steal your car? Will adulterers be required to wear a scarlet “A” around their neck?” In theory, these offenders have been to jail, and paid their dues to society. In theory, that sounds nice. Shouldn’t they now be allowed to integrate back into society without extra restrictions placed on them that prevent them from living a normal life?

Call me the minority, but I’m the camp that thinks this is a good idea. (And still fully recognize that the current system is flawed, and it is not fair to those people convicted of statutory rape because their girlfriend’s dad got pissed). I’m in the camp that doesn’t believe violent sex offenders can truly be rehabilitated. Violent sex crimes aren’t about sex. They’re about power, anger, control, etc. etc. Does everyone deserve a second chance? Call me mean, but I don’t think so. Not every single person. Sorry.

Until the system gets an overhaul, until there are changes made to the label of ’sex offender’, then sure, this sucks for the few that are not violent sex offenders or child molesters. But in the interest of the safety of children? I don’t think there’s even an argument here. An overriding larger argument about fairness, second chances, and how the system is set up? Yes. But for one night, a child focused night? No.