Judge Invalidates Missouri Halloween Law for Offenders

A federal judge has invalidated a Missouri law that required registered child sex offenders to post 'no candy' signs outside their homes on Halloween, ruling it unconstitutional under the First Amendment. U.S. District Judge John A. Ross stated that the law constituted compelled speech, forcing offenders to broadcast a government-mandated message they do not necessarily agree with. The decision followed a lawsuit by Thomas Sanderson, a registered sex offender, who argued that the requirement infringed on his rights. The ruling does not affect other restrictions imposed on offenders, such as staying indoors and turning off lights during Halloween. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey plans to contest the ruling, citing public safety concerns. This decision marks the end of a legal battle but is likely to trigger further legal challenges before Halloween.