| THE STOP VIGILANTE VIOLENCE AND WEBSITES ACT OF 2010 Written by Derek "The Fallen One" Logue February 9, 2009, amended November 2009 NOTE: There will now be an online petition, available through one of the online petition sites. Support our efforts to stop dangerous vigilantes and vigilante websites like Perverted Justice/ Wikisposure, Absolute Zero United, and Predator Patrol, which puts the lives of innocent family members and children in danger! CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION This Act is a response to the recent increases of vigilantism both online and in the real world. Over 190 murders have been committed against those accused or convicted of sex crimes, and 40% of registrants and their loved ones have experienced acts of vigilantism directed against them. It is quite clear this bill is becoming needed. Show your support by sending me a letter of support for this law. Any further comments or questions can be sent via e- mail, also on my comments page. See below for more details. Stop Vigilante Violence and Websites Act of 2010 AN ACT An act to prevent abuse and violence against those listed on sex offender registries, to promote accountability and liability of those entities that misuse registry info, and to promote the proper usage of current sex offender registries. Sec. 101 - TITLE This bill may be referred to as the Stop Vigilante Violence and Websites Bill of 2009 Sec. 102: KEY FINDINGS Megan’s Law, established in 1996, established the first public sex offender registries, and has become an established part of society. However, studies and reports are showing the negative consequences of public registries are very high. Of particular concern is the high level of vigilante violence against not just those individuals listed on public sex offender registries, but against family members or other individuals living in the same household. A number of murders, suicides, and crimes committed against those on sex offender registries or family members of registrants have used registry information and/ or news media reports of allegations:
As of Sept. 2007, eAdvocate lists 112 murdered individuals known to have been murdered due to sex crime accusations or convictions [10]. In addition to murder, a significant number of registrants, as well as loved ones of the registrant, have experienced different forms of vigilantism. “Nearly half of the offenders reported experiencing threats, property damage, or physical assault as a result of public disclosure [11].” In addition, almost half of people living with the registrant reported being threatened or harassed by neighbors, 27% had their property damaged, and 7% said they were physically assaulted by someone as a result of notification [12]. Vigilantism is noted as a key barrier to reform. Registrants constantly worry about harassment, which adds to the obstacles in obtaining “stable residence, productive work activity, and effective treatment, which are essential prerequisites for managing the behavior of this group of offenders in the community.” It is no surprise that registries have been known to “exact further vengeance” on registrants who have finished their sentences [13]. Furthermore, the registries have an effect of compelling the reader to react as less than “responsible citizens [14].” “Although these laws were passed as a means to decrease recidivism and promote public safety, the resulting stigmatization of sex offenders is likely to result in disruption of their relationships, loss of or difficulties finding jobs, difficulties finding housing, and decreased psychological well-being, all factors that could increase their risk of recidivism [15].” THEREFORE, we must take action to ensure the rehabilitation process proven to decrease recidivism and protect American citizens from criminal acts of violence and harassment for the greater good of the public. Sec. 103: DECLARATION OF INTENT In order to combat vigilante violence, harassment, and cyber-crimes directed at registrants and innocent family members or associates of registrants, to promote the proper usage of registry information, and provide avenues of relief for victims of all forms of vigilantism. Sec. 104: PROVISIONS AND PENALTIES (this part subjct to change)
SEC. 105: Resources cited in Sec. 102, Key Findings
|
| SAMPLE LETTER OF SUPPORT Once Fallen would like your support in presenting this anti-vigilante bill to the US legislature. There are two ways you can do this: #1: You can send a copy of this bill and a letter of support of this bill to your US Congressman or Senator. #2: Sign the online petition. HOWEVER, direct letters and calls to your state Congressmen and Representatives are just as important, perhaps more, than the online petition Sample Letter: Dear US Legislators, I am writing this letter to express concerns about vigilante violence and support "THE STOP VIGILANTE VIOLENCE AND WEBSITES ACT OF 2010, which can be found at http://www.oncefallen.com/antivigilantebill.html. In 2008, Washington state resident Tammy Lee Gibson attacked a man on the sex offender registry without provocation with a baseball bat and was declared a "hero" and was given a mere 90 days in jail, sparking both public support of this vigilante and a public call for vigilante violence against those on the sex offender registry. This pales in comparison to the 190 individuals known to have been killed in this country targeted because they were convicted, accused, or supported someone accused or convicted of sex crimes. In addition, numerous studies indicate 40% of sex offenders experienced some form of assault, harassment, or property damage, while an equal number of loved ones have experienced the same problem. In the interest of public safety, I implore you to support "The Stop Vigilante Violence and Website Acts of 2009." While "sex offenders" may be a favorite target of laws and public disdain, this hatred for the sex offender has disastrous consequences for all of society, not just the registrant. Misuse of the sex offender registry is a common problem, and while most states have laws on the books making abuse of registry information a criminal offense, these states rarely bother to enforce these laws or prosecute those who attack, harass, or intimidate individuals on the public registries. Furthermore, the Internet has become a place to attack registrants, as information is easily accessible and identities of vigilantes can be hidden. This hatred extends to loved ones of registrants, including even the children of the registrants. In addition to causing actual harm, the threat of vigilantism hinders efforts at vigilantism and rehabilitation efforts of those required to register, thus offering incentives to disregard registration requirements. THEREFORE, I implore you to support this anti-vigilantism, not just for the protection of those accused or convicted of sex crimes, but for the greater public. This all important bill will deter the abuse and misuse of sex offender registry info and restore order and integrity to the justice system as a whole, as the mission to protect and serve should apply to all free citizens, not just the popular groups. Furthermore, you will provide avenues of relief to those victimized by dangerous individuals who feel empowered to break the law simply because the target is accused or convicted of a sex crime. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, _____________________ (name) _____________________ (date) _____________________ (location) |
| (c) 2007-2011 Derek W. Logue. No part of this website may be used in any way without expressed written consent of the site owner. |