Wednesday, February 11, 2009

A recent Rutgers University study asserts that Megan’s Law, which warns parents when sex offenders move nearby, has not been effective in preventing children from being molested by sex offenders. However, this should not be viewed as a failed law.

Though New Jersey gave birth to Megan’s Law, our Legislature has neglected to nurture it. In 2005, 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford of Florida was abducted from her home by repeat child sex offender John Couey, who raped her, placed her in a garbage bag and buried her alive in a shallow grave. Authorities discovered in her hands a stuffed purple dolphin, which she clutched while she de parted this Earth alone and frightened.

More than 40 states across the nation responded with legislation that would prevent weak sen tences from being given to repeat child sex offenders, as in the case of Couey, who served a mere two years for molesting a child in a previous case.

Since 2005, the Lunsford Act has been introduced in the New Jersey Legislature every session, but has yet to become law. I suggest the Legislature stop debating trivial issues, such how sad it is New Jersey does not have a state song, and show some gumption and pass this law. The Jessica Lunsford Act languishes in the Judiciary Committee, despite the fact that more than half of the Assembly members signed on as co- sponsors. It appears that many state lawmakers know how to sign their names, but little more.

KYLE COLLINS

Tags: Jessica Lunsford,New Jersey,sex offenders
Categories: Announcements
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