Mother furious after state’s Halloween law aimed at protecting children from child predators is weakened

A mother from Missouri It was “withdrawn” after the judge ruled that registered sex offenders would not be required to post signs saying “No tricks or treats at this residence” for Halloween.

District Judge John A. Ross ruled in favor of revising a state law that has required sex offenders since 2008 to post a sign that reads “No tricks or treats at this residence.” Ross declared the law unconstitutional, saying it violated the law First Amendment rights.

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

“It disgusts me when I see stories about the rights of someone who has been convicted of sexually assaulting someone and is trying to use their freedom of speech to hide behind their actions,” she said. “I think it’s absolutely ridiculous and it really pisses me off and makes them feel like they have more say inside. our justice system than his victims.”

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

“It disgusts me when I see stories about the rights of someone who has been convicted of sexually assaulting someone and uses their freedom of speech to hide behind their actions.” —Tara Bishop

Missouri laws still Registration on Halloween They must stay indoors from 5pm to 10:30pm and leave outdoor lights off.

Despite the verdict, Bishop said he was “disappointed” in the decision and said it was a sign that the justice system was broken.

“This is more than just a (sex predator) sign; it gives these convicted predators a greater say in our justice system than the victims,” he said.

“I hear over and over again from people who have gone through the grueling process of prosecuting their abusers, only to receive a slap on the wrist or return to society,” she said.

“This is very disappointing.”

Children take a bowl of candy while trick-or-treating on Halloween. (iStock)

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Bishop gave a few practical tips she uses to create a safe and fun night of trick-or-treating.

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“I take my kids to events like tailgates or treats and stay with them throughout those events,” she said. “We may visit neighborhoods to go trick-or-treating, but usually those will be in neighborhoods we are familiar with and know the people.”

Tara Bishop, a 40-year-old mother of four from Missouri who runs a Facebook page called Child Predators Exposed, told Fox News Digital that the decision prioritizes the rights of predators over the rights 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 interact with.

“Make sure they don’t get separated and be mindful of who might be having side conversations with them,” she said.

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

Bishop said he makes it a habit to check data regularly. National Sex Offender Registry.

“This is always being updated,” he said. “Check the area you frequent and be aware of who is around.”

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There are 840 registered sex offenders in Springfield, Missouri, where Bishop lives.

“That’s a ratio of residents to sex offenders, 199 to 1,” he said. “And again, these are convicted sex offenders who have never been investigated or was never charged.

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

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

Republican Missouri Attorney General after Ross decision Andrew Bailey He said he would appeal the decision.

“I want Missouri to be the safest state in the country for children,” he told Fox News Digital. “This includes Halloween. We appeal immediately.”

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“I really hope that the appeal will win and that we can send a message that Missouri will not stand for sexual abuse,” Bishop said.

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