A group of persons forced to register, members of their families and supporters demonstrated unity in Washington, D.C. this week in a unity conference and a vigil near the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. Both events included leaders and members of multiple organizations that support registrants and their families, including PARSOL, NARSOL, ACSOL, WAR, Florida Action Committee, SHINE, United…
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Pennsylvaniaâs âSexual Offenderâ Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) was designed to enhance public safety by tracking individuals convicted of sexual offenses. However, an analysis of the current registry data reveals a troubling reality: more than half of the stateâs Persons Forced to Register (PFRs) are on the list for life. This raises serious concerns about the effectiveness, fairness, and consequences…
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The song Defying Gravity from Wicked is a powerful anthem about rejecting societal expectations, embracing self-determination, and rising above obstacles. For individuals on the âSex Offenderâ Registry who face immense stigma and legal barriers, the themes of this song resonate deeply. The lyrics speak to the struggle of being judged, the desire to challenge an unfair system and the need…
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The Pennsylvania Supreme Court (SCOPA) recently addressed a critical legal question in the case of Commonwealth v. Roberts, 16 WAP 2023, examining the mens rea requirements for registration violations. Mens rea, meaning “guilty mind” in Latin, refers to the mental state or intent a defendant must have while committing a crime to be held criminally liable. It distinguishes intentional or…
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Itâs a new year! Many of us make New Yearâs resolutions like a healthy diet, going to the gym, catching up with friends and family members, and financial goals to improve our lifestyles. Those are great resolutions, but what about persons forced to register (PFRs)? Whatâs something deeply personal for you to work on? Living with the label of “registered…
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The following Opinion/Editorial appeared in the December 20, 2024 issue of MerionWest. Portez Smith arrived outside Jesse Groverâs Pennsylvania duplex early on Sunday, November 17th of this year, yelling through the closed door, âGrover, youâre a fâing pedophile.â When Grover opened the door, Smith pulled out a gun and shot him to death. Grover was registered on Pennsylvaniaâs sex offender…
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Reentry into society after incarceration is a journey fraught with obstacles. For individuals forced to register on the Pennsylvania Meganâs Law registry, these challenges become even more formidable as stigma and restrictive policies compound the difficulties of finding housing, employment, and acceptance. At a recent panel discussion, experts, advocates, and justice-impacted individuals convened to discuss the path forward, sharing insights…
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At the heart of the 2024 PARSOL Fall Conferenceâs opening plenary, Pennsylvania Executive Deputy Attorney General Robert Reed, Esq. delivered an impassioned address centered on justice, empathy, and systemic reform. This keynote captured the challenges marginalized individuals face and proposed transformative strategies to create trauma-informed systems that honor humanity. Reedâs presentation illuminated the path toward a compassionate and equitable society…
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For Immediate Release November 22, 2024 â The Pennsylvania Association for Rational Sexual Offense Laws (PARSOL.org) mourns the tragic and senseless death of Jesse Michael Grover, a 31-year-old resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania, whose inclusion on the public âsex offenderâ registry for an offense more than ten years ago, appears to have made him a target for gun violence. Jesse was…
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Involvement with the legal system in the United States can be a traumatizing experience. For those who have been found guilty of crimes of a sexual nature, this process almost always results in a massive upheaval of what is considered normal. The dread of what is going to play out in the courts, the shame of exposure, and the remorse…
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