The loose definition of 'sex offender'

[Eric J in MN]

http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14164614&source=hptextfeature

Every American state keeps a register of sex offenders. California has had one since 1947, but most states started theirs in the 1990s. Many people assume that anyone listed on a sex-offender registry must be a rapist or a child molester. But most states spread the net much more widely.

A report by Sarah Tofte of Human Rights Watch, a pressure group, found that at least five states required men to register if they were caught visiting prostitutes. At least 13 required it for urinating in public (in two of which, only if a child was present). No fewer than 29 states required registration for teenagers who had consensual sex with another teenager. And 32 states registered flashers and streakers.

Because so many offences require registration, the number of registered sex offenders in America has exploded.

[izquierdista]

1. Urinating in public

I'm in full agreement, America should criminalize more artwork:

[Vidar]

13. Additionally, we'd jail the sculptor for child pornography.

[Brooklyns_Finest]

2. Very bad

Back when I was 20, after a wild night of drinking and partying, some cop in myrtle beach SC caught me pissing on the sidewalk. I was able to talk my way out of a ticket, but based on this article, in some states, my offense would have gotten me registered as a sex offender. Honestly, any prosecutor who would attempt to ruin a persons life like this has no heart.

[RaleighNCDUer]

5. Actually, any prosecutor who would attempt to ruin a persons life like this

is shooting for Attorney General, as a stepping stone to becoming governor.

I NEVER cast a ballot for any prosecuting attorney, or any former prosecutor, for any public office, as a matter of principle, unless it is in a showdown between a Dem and a Repub (which means I grudgingly will vote for the Dem - such as Bill Clinton or Mike Easly). Too many let their ambitions rule their judgment.

[Fleet]

14. It's not that they have no heart.

Well maybe, but more importantly they have no place in the justice system.

People responsible for enforcing laws need to always bear the intent of the law in mind. A law enforced with disregard for its original intent is like a blind man driving a battle tank: It will roll right over you.

[gopiscrap]

17. Any prosecutor who would do that to some for

urinating in public is a mother fucking asshole who needs to be caught in a dark alley with a bunch of thugs and have the shit kicked out of him!!!

[FiveGoodMen]

3. This is what happens when laws are made by people who hate sex altogether

Separate church and state, beat the next asshole who says, "Won't someone think of the children," and only go after those who really harm others.

[TexasObserver]

4. Recommend

[loudsue]

6. With Prisons for Profit laws on the books, it's no wonder blowing your nose isn't

considered "touching yourself in public", and considered a sex offense.

It's prisons for profit that are behind so much of the insanity these days. Because once you're listed as a sex offender in some states, then ANY offense can land you in the slammer.

[Gman2]

7. I knew a guy that had ripped his shorts. Was busted for indecent

REgistered as a sex offender. And WE pay for that.

[Eric J in MN]

9. What state was that? NT

NT

[Gman2]

11. calif

[dorkulon]

8. Jesus, public urination?

That is fucking ridiculous. And teens having sex? I guess we should all be on the registry!

[guitar man]

10. Strippers dancing without pasties

If a woman is busted for dancing topless without pasties on here it can land her on the registry. I know a girl who was dancing to pay her way through college to become a teacher. Got caught dancing without them and boom, it's all over with :(

[ColbertWatcher]

12. "a pressure group" WTF? n/t

[RedCappedBandit]

15. Land of the free ;)

[Heidi]

16. Recommended.

:kick:

[lame54]

18. What about mooning?