Floridians for Reformation of Sex Offender Laws
As part of the effort to support the happiness, well-being and freedom of children, we are committed to protect society and its children from the dangers of sexual harm. We are also committed to preserve civil liberty and genuine criminal justice. We believe many aspects of the current approach to sex offenders seriously undermine justice and make our society less compatible with the welfare of young people. These include state and national sex offender registries as currently structured, life-time civil commitment statutes for sex offenders after completing prison sentences, and the public shaming of anyone accused of illegal sexual activity. We support carefully limited laws that target harmful acts, not whole classes of people, and which rehabilitate rather than vindictively punish and shame offenders. We assert that only by supporting justice for all people can we maintain a safe society.
We speak out against the mounting panic which vaguely defines sexual dangers, and ostracizes and scapegoats a wide range of people who have been labeled "sex offenders."
Current statutes and regulations are based on hysteria and myths. We are here to provide educational information about the truth behind this hysteria and the, "stranger danger" myth gripping this nation with fear, and ruining the lives of many people who are not the monsters we have been led to believe.
"Children must be protected and nurtured." We support policies that ensure that the well being of all children is safeguarded." In this culture of violence in our society, we oppose the death penalty, and believe that all people are called to an ethic of responsibility, rehabilitation and restoration, these are the foundation for the necessary reform of our criminal justice system. The values of our culture are shaped and shared in the print media, radio, television and the Internet. We call for responsible regulations that balance freedom with concern for the common good.
"Economic decisions and institutions should be assessed on whether they protect or undermine the dignity of the human person."
...Faithful Citizenship: "Pursuing Social Justice." from Justice in the World, Roman Synod of Bishops.