Government Rejects Sarah's Law
In the Mid 1990s a law called Megan's Law was passed in
the United States. This law gave all parents access to
information on sex-offenders living within their community,
the law was named after Megan Kanko a 7 year old who was
murdered by a known sex-offender who lived in her street.
The murder of Sarah Payne by a known sex-offender in 2000
prompted a call for a similar law to be introduced in the
UK called Sarah's Law. The UK government has rejected
demands for this new law and will continue to prevent public
access to the sex offenders' register.
Martin Narey, Barnardo's Chief Executive, said: 'I understand
why this is attractive to parents but it gives them false
comfort. We are quite certain that this will put children in
more danger.
'There are already sound and workable arrangements whereby, for
example, head teachers are made aware of the proximity of sex
offenders. But a more general arrangement where anyone can be
told there are sex offenders in their area will, inevitably,
lead to them fleeing supervision.
'Our only concern is the welfare of children. We know that
dangerous sex offenders need constant and intensive supervision,
in Barnardo's view, with the added use of polygraphy and satellite
tracking. Offenders who flee from supervision and go underground -
a sure consequence if these measures are introduced - will become
extremely dangerous'.
Your Views
| Sarah's Law I think it is disgusting. I want to protect my children and I think I should be able to see if a paedophile is living in my area | |
 | Posted: 12/Apr/07 at 7:28:25 | |
What do you think?
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