Jessica's Law Partial Repeal?

Wow, this is nuts. I think if the law were that convicted, proven rapists who have spent time in prison were required to follow this, then that would be one thing, but when the term "sex offender" covers everything from child abuse to public urination, then we start to toe the line of ridiculous and socially irresponsible. Granted, I know nothing about the law but it reeks of tea party to me...

I think it actually popped up way before the Tea Party. If I remember correctly it was way back when the Polly Class case was in the news because of the trial. I think and there had been another kidnapping, rape and murder of another girl--the Jessica of the law's name--and so people were more than happy to be hardline with these guys.

Unfortunately, I think you're totally right. They should really have a completely different designation for those who get caught for public urination or 18 years dating the 16 year olds than they do for child abusers and convicted rapists. That sort of a catch all is not only unfair to those that have committed minor offenses, but misleading for worried parents.

The internet has changed things alot too. You can now find out the addresses of registered sex offenders in your area by just logging into one of these internet crime monitoring sites. I guess there's no hiding for any one these days.

I'm not even sure they start out with the best intentions. A lot of times political operatives will campagn to get a bill put onto the ballot in order to incite the base of their parties and to raise issues that the other party may not want to address. So, for example, in 2004, the Bushies (directed by Carl Rove) got anti-gay marriage laws put onto the ballot so that they could turn out religious conservatives who might not be happy with Bush's spending policies. (In 2008, the pro-Gay Marriage referendum here in Califronia backfired on its supportors when people were scared off from it by a strong Utah organized calling campaign.)

This Jessica's law has the footprints of a tough on crime campaign that was probably used against Democrats. (But I might be venturing into paranoid conspiracy theory territory at this point.)