Howdyall:

I was going to respond to a thread regarding SO reg in HI, but it was locked.

I encourage anyone under that law to fight any kind of registration, publication, etc. as much as they can.

PARTICULARLY if they must register for anything to do with consensual sex, "indecent exposure" PARTICULARLY if such convictions are old, i.e., more than 10 years.

I recall that SOs would have to go to court to stop being posted on the website. The state threatened unwanted media attention.

I say, fight anyway. First, find someone in the media who is sympathetic, and be sure to give them a story. Make sure that people know what's at stake, how SOs are branded. Many people won't care, but many others might.

DON'T just give in to the idiots' threats.

That said, I realize that most people want to live their lives quietly, and in peace. And, there surely will be some unwelcome media attention.

But if you're an SO or someone close to one, you'll be denied that right anyway as it is, and it's going to get worse. Good, god, they're trying to make it IMPOSSIBLE.

It's a RIGHT, everyone, to be left alone. It's yours, regardless of the size of your brain, breasts or bank account. The state needs to show a compelling interest. Why should a 60-year-old guy who flashed on the subway when he was 16 have to register for life?

So, fight. You have NOTHING to lose.

abner

I agree with your sentiments. These witch hunts have no place in a civilised society. The offenders did their time. Public lists would appear to be a uniquely US thing.
We always seem to be at the forefront of western countries with medieval punishments.

Thank you, Abner for posting this. As Hawaii has +1,449 registered sex offenders (as of today's date on their database) and with more on the way, it IS important to step up and stand up for what is rightfully theirs after they have paid their debt to society: peace and the ability to get on with their lives.

BUT THE QUESTION IS, how does one do this without the possibility of certain agencies making not only their lives hell, but also in the process ruining the lives of their loved ones? How does the family deal with such a social stigma, especially children? I know in some cases the children ALREADY suffer, but they would suffer MORE being under the scrutiny of these agencies as well as possible disapproval from their circle of association. Through no fault of their own other than being a loved one of an SO. I sure wish I knew.

Good point MsAloha! It is hard enough to fight the stigma this label brings and still remain as low key as possible. The children and loved ones of
SO's suffer just as much as the actual SO does, no matter what the offence was or how long ago it was. So how are you supposed to stand up and fight it out in the open without bringing more hardship down on them?

Sherrie