Even sex offenders should be able to decorate on Halloween

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