By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
A federal district judge has struck down a provision of Missouri law that required sex offenders to post a sign on Halloween stating there is no candy or treats at their residence.
The rest of the law stands.
Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett assures the public his deputies will be out in force on Halloween night, along with St. Joseph police officers and US Marshals, conducting checks with registered sex offenders to make sure they are in compliance with the law.
“The big thing that everyone needs to understand is that the concept of safety and protecting our kids is paramount for us,” Puett says during his appearance on the KFEQ Hotline.
Registered sex offenders in Missouri still must remain inside their residence between 5pm and 10:30pm Halloween night, must have all their lights off, and must avoid all Halloween-related contact with children.
“I can assure you that if there are violations observed that we will take enforcement actions,” Puett says.
United States District Judge John Ross ruled that requiring registered sex offenders to post the sign was a violation of the First Amendment’s prohibition against compelled speech. That was the only portion of the state law Ross found unconstitutional in his ruling in Sanderson v. Bailey. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has said he will appeal the ruling.
Puett also says safety is important Halloween night. The sheriff asks parents to keep safety in mind this Halloween, which includes making sure costumes don’t hinder the vision of children and that the candy collected is safe. Puett suggests that if the candy doesn’t have a good appearance, just throw it out.
Puett says parents need to watch their children closely while they go house to house trick or treating.
“These kids are excited,” Puett says. “They are seeing their friends. They are going from this place to that place. They’re out collecting candy. They have masks on.”
Puett points out many Halloween costumes have dark colors. He says something a bit lighter or even a reflector helps make children more visible at night.
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