Dear Members of the PA House Progressive Caucus,
Thank you, everyone, for learning more about PARSOL and our current legislative priorities. We challenge all members to continue to fight for the civil rights of Pennsylvanians affected by Pennsylvania’s outdated, irrational sexual offense laws.
Not only are persons forced to register under PA Megan’s Law denied the right to reputation guaranteed by Article 1, Section 1 of the Constitution of Pennsylvania, they are continuously discriminated against with inequities, more so than other reentrants, in service availability, denied housing, employment, and access to public accommodations as a result of their registrant status. In fact, laws passed by the PA Legislature this session exclude services and available diversionary programs based on their registration requirement.
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is currently preparing opinions in Com. v. Torsilieri (read the lower court opinion), and the House has passed HR269, so the time to learn more is now, as opportunities to change these outdated and irrational laws are on the horizon.
Many thanks,
PARSOL
Contacts:
John Dawe, Managing Director (570-706-6794) john@parsol.org – Headquartered in Dallas (Luzerne County)
Randall Hayes, Legislative Director (717-526-9733) randall@parsol.org – Headquartered in Harrisburg (Dauphin County)
Click Here to View Our Current Legislative Priorities
Click Here to View Additional Reports and Resources Mentioned During the 5/6/24 Briefing
Nearly thirty years of civil rights censorship by PA SORNA/Megan’s Law
Pennsylvania’s ‘Sex Offender’ Registry Law (“PA Megan’s Law”) was enacted in 1995 in response to a national fear-based campaign. Using several high-profile crimes, advocates pushed Pennsylvania legislators to do ‘something’ to prevent the proliferation of crimes of a sexual nature. The registry was created with no research or facts to back it up, but based on the idea that individuals with past convictions have a “Frightening and High” likelihood of reoffending. In 2004, the registry was published on the internet. In 2011, it was extended to include assorted other crimes and the number of persons forced to register (PFRs) in Pennsylvania expanded. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has declared it unconstitutional several times, only to have it reworded enough to remain in effect.
Now, nearly 30 years later, the registry dehumanizes more than 23,000 citizens. Publishing personal information online leaves PFRs open to scams, vandalism, and other hate-based crimes. While the same fears that pushed the registry remain, three decades of research now debunks those fears. The research findings are clear: the registry is both punitive and ineffective in protecting our communities.
What is PARSOL?
The Pennsylvania Association for Rational Sexual Offense Laws (PARSOL) believes all sexual abuse is unacceptable and that prevention, treatment, and healing are possible. We take a person-first approach to criminal justice reform that cultivates a fair and just society, honors inherent dignity and promotes respect and fairness. People can and do change. As such, PARSOL advocates for sexual offense public safety measures and resources that work for all through prevention-based, trauma/treatment-informed, and healing-focused legislative and public policy initiatives that respect our Constitution and all people’s dignity.
PARSOL’s Positions on Related Topics
- Public Registries are Ineffective in Preventing Harm
- Sexual Harm is a Preventable Public Health Issue
- Education is Key: Sexuality, Healthy Relationships, Boundaries
- End Carveouts based on Crime Class, including Registry Requirements
- Countering Dehumanizing Registries with Terminology & Person-First Language
- Debunking the Myth of “Frightening & High” Recidivism is Critical
- Oppose Residency Restrictions Because They Don’t Work
- Policies Around Sex Offenses Should be Based on Evidence-Based Research and Practices
- PARSOL Opposes Civil Commitment Due to Ineffectiveness and Cost Concerns