I am a 53 year old American male until age 49 I had no record, Then I was convicted
for having child porn. [One book nudist no sexual involvment} It is declared porn
because the photos of single boys standing by ocean was declared porn because of
their age. I had to plead guilty because there is no defense because nudity equals
guilty here. I got 5 years probation for one felony convition. My question is when I
am off probation where in the world are countries I can go to and or live in without
hassle and possible rejection.of entrance. I feel that my heart will no longer be happy
in the USA and even though I never in my life molisted anyone that the police will
question me first every time there is a child molistation in any state I am In. Insted
I just want to go somewhere and stay in peace without this past haunting me all my
life. I am a gay man but I am not a pediphile, but the government says I am and
I have no way to prove I'm not. Thanks for your help. I will consider any country in
the world. Even if gay people are not treated good there because I do not outwardly
appear to be a gay man. I also feel betrayed by the US because I was raped at age
11 in this country within my own family.

Frank,

I am sorry that I cannot give you the advice that you are looking for here but I am sure that someone will be able to help. I did think however that some of the US states did NOT have registries for SO's ?? This may be an option to stay put.

I also don't know the full story on how easy it is for you to have a valid passport after your conviction? This may prove to be an obstacle too? I also know that at least for Canada you have to be 5 years after your parole before you can gain start the process to gain entry - but I am not sure of other countries.

I am sorry that I have more questions than answers, but perhaps my questions will help you to find more answers...

Give this a day or two to see what other member responses are and if you are still having problems PM me and I will see where we can take this.

Good luck!

Frank, I am so very sorry to hear of your problems. These laws are not fair. We have become a nation run by irrational fears I sometimes feel. I have no advice on this, but I am sure someone here will come along with the advice you need. Welcome to PTO!

Hi Frank,

If you can get a passport, and if you're allowed to leave the US, you will be allowed to travel within the European Union, for there's no need of a Visa between the US and the E.U.
For instance, if you come to France, you'll have to fill in a disembarking form and give it along with your passport, to the Immigration police officer upon your arrival at the airport. On this form, they don't ask if you have a "criminal record" or not. In fact, as an American citizen, they will just stamp your passport and keep the disembarking form. Once you are in France, you are free to travel in all the European countries which have signed the Schengen agreement ie: NO ID or passport control within the countries of the Schengen zone: France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Luxemburg, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Austria. Meaning that, if you want to fly from Paris to Athens for instance, they will just ask your passport to see if the name matches the name on your flight ticket, that's all. If you want to go from France to any other country of the European Union (Ireland, Great Britain, Denmark, Finland, Sweden), there will be a passport control, but I don't think they control much American citizens.
Franck, I'm speaking of traveling, I'm not speaking of settling down in the E.U. I don't know exactly how it works. But you're allowed to stay 3 months in the E.U as a tourist. And there are ways to settle down too. For instance, my boyfriend is locked up in Florida, and will be released in 2012 (no parole). We will make a Common Life Certificate (it's possible for gay couples), so that he will be allowed to live in France as my significant other, he will get a resident card, will be allowed to work, will get Social Security etc. So this could be an option for you too, find a man willing to make a common life certificate. It's called PaCS in France (Pacte Civil de Solidarité).
Concerning gay life in the E.U, it's as in any western democratic country. Legal and no descrimination. In France, it's illegal to deny someone a job, appartment, medical insurance or whatever else because he's gay. The mayor of Paris, Mr Bertrand Delanoë, is openly gay, and has been elected BOTH by gay and straight people. His work at the City Hall of Paris is very well appreciated by the Parisians, and during some official ceremonies, his boyfriend (23 years living together) is often with him, and it's not a problem.
Well I hope I've answered some of your questions, if you need more informations, I'll be happy to help you.
All the best
Phil

Frank, I am so sorry. The law sure can be un fair at times.
Teb is right, there is some states that you dont have to register. I am not sure of those states. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Oh, if you are on praole, probation, you wont be able to leave the US.

Frank -

I am truly sorry to hear of your situation....the laws hear regarding sex offenders are very unfair...they have no way to differ between who is a threat and who is not...so everyone pays....

You should not have to go through this...and you should be able to live your life openly without any ramifications. I hope you can find the answers you are looking for. Hang in there!

Marie

Phil makes France sound wonderful. Try Mexico close to Texas.like the Monterry area. You can stay there for up to
90 days at a time but any time you leave and go to Texas your 90 days start over and houses are cheap there. You could even commute and work in Texas.

Hi This is Frank Thank-you all so much for your advice and warm messages. I have time here in Maine to think and explore more, and I will stay active with this group. At the very earliest I would have to stay here until Oct this year but I fear it likely they will make me finish the entire term. I hope not, but I don't see any advantage to them in releaseing me early so my mind is set to expect June 2005. Do any of you know anyone that got off probation before the full term? Again many thanks to you all. And Phil I really enjoyed all that news about France. Frank

i've never been anywhere in maine that isn't gorgeous...hope that you are finding peace during your time there.

all the best, frank.

emme