KIRO NEWSRADIO

Even sex offenders should be able to decorate on Halloween

Oct 4, 2012, 11:52 AM | Updated: Oct 11, 2024, 1:06 pm

...

cedargrove
Convicted sex offenders are suing a California city over a new law that keeps them from decorating their homes on Halloween. (AP Photo)

Convicted sex offenders are suing a California city over a new law that keeps them from decorating their homes on Halloween. KIRO Radio’s Dave Ross and Luke Burbank are siding with the sex offenders, saying they should be able to decorate just like anyone else.

These offenders have served their time. Dave and Luke ask how, if they pose such a risk they can’t welcome trick-or-treaters, they were ever released in the first place.

“If they’re so dangerous that they can’t put a Jack O’Lantern out because they’re going to set some kind of molestation trap, then they shouldn’t be out of jail,” says Luke.

The Los Angeles Times reports the new law would keep 119 sex offenders in the Simi Valley area from putting out decorations on Oct. 31. Offenders would also be required to post a sign saying there will be no candy handed out at the residence.

City documents supporting its position reportedly say Halloween trick-or-treating provides a “significant” opportunity for offenders to victimize kids. Even though the Times reports city police have no record of a crime of that sort on Halloween.

Luke thinks keeping offenders from decorating on Halloween is going over the line in how offenders should be handled after release. He points out many of their names and images already appear on sex offender registries on the internet.

“If you’re scarlet lettering them to that degree, I think you’ve done enough,” says Luke. “Let them celebrate Halloween.”

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor

KIRO Newsradio

Photo: Washington Senator Jamie Pedersen spoke on a new bill....

Julia Dallas

‘Why would he say that?’ Jake & Spike break down senator’s controversial Parents’ Bill of Rights comments

Washington Democratic Senator Jamie Pedersen had a few standout comments concerning House Bill 1296.

4 hours ago

Photo: Traffic in Seattle....

Chris Sullivan

Pay-by-mile is getting closer to reality in Washington

The legislature is finally going to take up the Road Usage Charge. The plan to have us pay-by-mile will have its first hearing on Thursday.

4 hours ago

Photo: Green Lake Park path in King County....

Sam Campbell

King County proposes new $1.5 billion parks levy

King County leaders announced a proposal Tuesday for a new parks levy that, if approved by voters, would total more than $1.5 billion of tax revenue over the next six years.

5 hours ago

Photo: The man, who Seattle police have not named, walking onto the ice rink at the Kraken Communit...

MyNorthwest Staff

Father charged, banned from ‘every ice rink in state’ after allegedly assaulting youth hockey referees

A father will likely face assault charges after he shoved two youth hockey referees, according to an SPD report.

12 hours ago

Photo: Traffic in Seattle....

Matt Markovich

Reducing traffic stops: Bill proposes warnings by mail, targeted enforcement for safer roads

Democrats have tried to pass a revised traffic safety bill for five years and they are trying again this legislative session.

1 day ago

Photo: Gee Scott roasted Velveeta cheese ahead of Super Bowl Sunday....

Frank Lenzi

‘Your food is unseasoned’: Gee Scott roasts Velveeta lovers ahead of Super Bowl Sunday

If you’re looking for a Super Bowl Party where the hosts are serving Velveeta, you won’t find it at Gee Scott's house.

4 days ago

Even sex offenders should be able to decorate on Halloween