ST. LOUIS – Missouri sex offenders are no longer required to post “No candy” warning signs outside of their homes on Halloween after a federal judge ruled part of the state’s Halloween law as unconstitutional.
Under Missouri law, specifically a state statute first enacted in 2008, registered sex offenders cannot go outside to interact with children, cannot have outside lights on, and are required to post a sign stating “no candy or treats” are available at the home on Halloween night.
Starting this Halloween, due to a federal court ruling on Wednesday, the sign requirement will no longer be enforced under Missouri law.
U.S. District Judge John Ross struck down that provision and ruled officials were “permanently enjoined statewide” from enforcing the sign requirement.
The ruling follows a legal challenge involving Hazelwood resident Thomas Sanderson and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. Sanderson filed a lawsuit last year arguing that the sign requirement violated his First Amendment free speech rights. He alleged it forced him to make a statement to which he didn’t agree.
The full article is available at ozarksfirst.com.
(Joey Schneider, ozarksfirst.com)
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