It’s been nearly four decades since a 25-year-old Frank Lindsay landed on California’s sex offender registry after he pleaded no contest to improperly touching a girl under 14.
He has not committed another crime since then, but state law requires Lindsay’s name to remain on the registry, which the public can see on government websites, for the rest of his life. Full Article
Sad that oncefallen felt the need to attack Janice and ACSOL publicly in his comments on that article. His public criticism only hurts all of our various efforts of reform.
“Overhauled?” This is ludicrous. The registry should be completely done away with, as it has never served or functioned as intended. It would seem lies are now accepted truth and the truth is simply ignored.
Wonderful news! Finally a route off the registry. Face it, the registry is here to stay. These changes/reforms will at least create an end and way off.
I think this is exactly what was needed and frankly am shocked it passed. It is hopeful to see some facts and reason used instead of raw illogical emotions.
This was long overdue and hopefully the remaining states such as Florida will follow the same path and offer light at the end of a dark tunnel and end the cruel lifetime punishment now in place!
Way to go California!
I was watching KRON 4 news this morning. The change in registration (SB421) was mentioned briefly. The news announcer commented on how a convicted sex offender can live next door and you would not know it. The spin starts.
The comments section is an eye opening read.
A commenter stated, I’m paraphrasing, “they’re going to let these sex offenders go free?!”
See, that’s a problem. Once you’re out of custody, you’re already a free person. But the registry posits it differently. Here, the mass public believes we’re not free. Despite many on the comments section countering with, “if they’re that dangerous, then how are they let out of jail?”
The dichotomy is astounding. The public sees sex offenders as still being punished as they’re not free, but those sex offenders are no longer in jail. Apparently, the public doesn’t comprehend that a sex offender has already paid their dues to society and are still being forced to serve the state after their dues have been paid.
Hmmm… that would be an interesting project. Have a camera crew go around the state of California and ask people, “If you’ve paid your due to your crime, then should you continue to serve the state?”
It’s an innocuous question.
Then follow up with:
“Are you a free person again after you’ve paid your debt to society, but are still forced to serve the state?”
and
“Would you consider it unconstitutional to force you to serve the state after you’ve paid your debt to society?”
Then start asking congressmen and congresswomen. Afterwards, ask lawyers. Ask judges.
I’d really like to hear what many people would say. Remember, don’t divulge anything related to the registry or sex offenders. That way you’re positing a question for any crime.