Sex offenders cannot be made to put up signs at their residences suggesting trick-or-treaters not stop there, according to a new ruling.
A Missouri law that mandated sex offenders post a sign at their residences on Oct. 31 each year saying “No candy or treats at this residence” violates the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, U.S. District Judge John A. Ross stated on Oct. 2.
“The sign posting requirement is unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable,” Ross wrote in a 23-page decision.
Sex offender Thomas Sanderson in 2023 sued over the law, which was enacted in 2008, two years after he was convicted.
According to court documents, Sanderson said he held Halloween events for years and was told that the law did not apply to him since it was enacted after his conviction. One year, though, police officers went to his home, arrested him, and charged him with violating the law….