Sex Offenders Challenge Halloween Law

ST. LOUIS (CN) - Registered sex offenders say Missouri's is unconstitutionally restricting their activity during Halloween. The plaintiffs, who are parents, say the law is too vague, particularly as it applies to their own children and grandchildren.

The new law took effect June 30. It prohibits all Halloween-related contact with children; orders the offenders to stay inside their homes between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. unless there is an emergency; orders them to post a sign stating, "No candy or treats at this residence;" and orders them to turn their outside lights off after 5 p.m. on Halloween.

The plaintiffs say they don't know how to conform to these rules with respect to their own children and grandchildren and fear undue prosecution. They are represented by Anthony Rothert of the ACLU.

The defendants include Missouri Attorney General Jeremiah Nixon, Gov. Matt Blunt, and other law enforcement officials.

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