The registry does not work, it does destroy lives, and has created a second class of citizens. It allows vigilantes to stalk and target you. We live in fear, we’re not allowed a weapon to defend ourselves, we are sitting ducks. It would seem like it would be better to have a law that includes forgiveness, and healing for all concerned, instead of never-ending punishment. Prison should be enough punishment, it should also rehabilitate, and teach is that not what it is supposed to be?

We have to teach people to heal, we have to educate in order to prevent, the registry does none of this, it just punishes. It’s time we stop the “tough on crime” and start the “smart on crime”, we have to allow forgiveness for that. Patricia Wetterling has come out to advocate for changes, stating we have gone too far. Every year new laws are introduced to punish sex offenders, laws like sexting. Laws that punish for life, those that had consensual sex with their b/f or g/f, its enough. Laws against sex dolls, and humiliating women who are prostitutes. Not only the people who commit current crimes but to go back and retroactively destroy lives, when is it enough?! We have seen more than enough hate, and violence this year it’s time for positive changes. Its just like the failed war on drugs.

It also has been shown that residency restrictions have no effect on crimes, they do however make people homeless. For me personally I live in fear of people I work with finding out, I live in fear of a person showing up and killing me, or my girlfriend.

We didn’t think of the consequences of the Registry, only punishing, its time to stop. People change, we need to as well. The data shows recidivism at between 1.5% and 4%, with isolation being a main factor, so we have taken away homes, jobs, friends and family from these people. We have shoved them into abandoned buildings, woods, empty lots, street corners, and under bridges.

There has to be a better way. The laws we currently have do not protect the public, they are merely punitive. The last time I checked that is unconstitutional. The recidivism rate for non violent, first time offenders is less than 1%. Politician are unfortunately the ones to change the laws affecting the registry and NONE of them want to be accused of being pro sex offender.