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Mom livid after state’s Halloween law aimed at protecting children from child predators loosened
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Mom livid after state’s Halloween law aimed at protecting children from child predators loosened

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A mother from Missouri is “dismissed” after a judge ruled that registered sex offenders will not be required to post “No Candy or Treats at this Residence” signs for Halloween.

U.S. District Judge John A. Ross ruled in favor of revising the state law, which since 2008 has required sex offenders to display a sign that says “No candy or candies at this residence.” Ross declared the law unconstitutional, saying he violated it First Amendment Rights.

Tara Bishop, who operates a Facebook page called Child Predators Exposed, with more than 10,000 followers, told Fox News Digital that the ruling favors the rights of predators over those of victims.

“When I see stories about the rights of someone who has been convicted of sexually abusing someone and trying to use free speech to hide behind their behavior, it repels me,” she said. “I think it’s absolutely ridiculous and it makes me really angry and it makes me feel like they have more of a voice inside. our justice system than their victims”.

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Tara Bishop

Tara Bishop, who operates a Facebook page called Child Predators Exposed, with more than 10,000 followers, told Fox News Digital that the Missouri decision prioritizes the rights of predators over those of their victims. (Fox News Digital)

“When I see stories about the rights of someone who has been convicted of sexually abusing someone and they try to use free speech to hide behind their behavior, it repels me.” — Tara Bishop

Missouri law still requires people to Halloween registry to remain in their homes between 5:00 PM and 10:30 PM and leave their outside lights off.

Despite the provision, Bishop said she was “disappointed” by the ruling and that it was a sign of a damaged justice system.

“It’s more than the (sexual predator) mark, it gives these convicted predators more of a voice in our justice system than the victims,” ​​she said.

“I hear again and again from people who have gone through the grueling process of trying to prosecute their abuser, only to get a slap on the wrist or return to society,” she said.

“It’s so disappointing.”

Kids choose from a bowl of candy while trick or treating on Halloween.

Kids choose from a bowl of candy while trick or treating on Halloween. (iStock)

Tips to practice safety trick-or-treating:

Bishop shared some practical tips he uses to create a safe – and fun – trick-or-treating night.

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“I take my kids to events like trunk-or-tracks and stay with them throughout those events,” she said. “We might go visit neighborhoods to go out for drinks, but usually they’ll be in neighborhoods we’re familiar with and know people in.”

Tara Bishop

Tara Bishop, a 40-year-old mother of four from Missouri who operates a Facebook page called Child Predators Exposed, told Fox News Digital that the ruling puts the rights of predators above those of victims. (Fox News Digital)

As a parent, Bishop emphasized staying with the kids throughout the fun-filled evening and being mindful of who they’re interacting with.

“Make sure they don’t leave and be aware of who can have side conversations with them,” she said.

Missouri Capitol

A man waves an American flag as he walks outside the Missouri State Capitol January 20, 2021 in Jefferson City, Missouri. (Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)

Bishop said he makes a habit of checking regularly National Sex Offender Registry.

“It’s updated all the time,” she said. “Check the area you frequent and be aware of who is around.”

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In Springfield, Missouri, where Bishop lives, there are 840 registered sex offenders.

“Which is a ratio of residents to sex offenders, 199 to 1,” she said. “And again, these are convicted sex offenders, not those who have never been investigated or never been charged.

“It’s kind of scary, and it’s kind of eye-opening,” Bishop said. “And I don’t want to be cynical. I just want people to pay attention.”

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing in Washington, DC on January 10, 2024. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Following the decision by Ross, Missouri’s Republican attorney general Andrew Bailey said he plans to appeal the decision.

“I want Missouri to be the safest state in the nation for children,” he said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “That includes Halloween. We’re calling right now.”

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“I really hope the appeal is won and we can send a message that Missouri will not tolerate sexual abuse,” Bishop said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Eastern District Court of Missouri for comment.