For registered sex offenders in the state of Oklahoma, life could potentially get harder. As of now, anyone can view their name, image, criminal history, and home or work address online. Those whose cases involved persons younger than 13 years of age are restricted from being within 500 feet of schools, daycares, playgrounds, and anywhere children might be. Since last month, one law maker has put his focus on changing that.

Senator John Ford is pushing to up the bill to include registered offenders whose victims were 18 and under. But not everyone thinks that’s the best way to use Oklahoma tax payers’ dollars. Opposers argue that registered sex offenders are easily singled out because they‘re an easy target and that this potential bill uses them to push a separate agenda.

Is the bill a well-needed effort to enforce child safety or will it just create a false sense of security for parents and brand those registered even more? It’s unlikely anyone will disagree with the idea behind the law, but whether it is necessary is the question. The fact of the matter is that it is unsafe to allow anyone to loiter around schools, daycares, and playgrounds.

Registered sex offenders live with a stigma unlike that of any other criminal. Where other offenders are released back into society on account of a second shot at redemption, people convicted of sexual misconduct are negatively branded permanently.

There is little chance that society will judge registered sex offenders based on genuine character turnaround as the judicial system does. If you are charged with a sex crime in Oklahoma, you may be subject to these new restrictions. Contact one of our sexual assault lawyers to protect your rights.