Another consideration is the Federal age of consent. Regardless of what age your state has codified, the Federal age is 18 for both sexes. What this means is that if a state line is crossed in one of these cases, it is a Federal crime. Also, with the passage of the Adam Walsh Act, a Federal prosecutor can “pick up” one of these cases to be prosecuted in Federal court when it occurs within state.
Even if we had the opportunity to delve into answering those questions, how do we prevent this from happening to more youths? As parents, educators, community leaders, media and physicians, what steps do we need to take to educate our children about the laws? Should Planned Parenthood be required to educate those individuals under age who come to them for birth control with no parental consent or notification? Legally, are they contributing to the delinquency of a minor?
According to Wendy Murphy, not only are these cases “rare” but District Attorneys simply do not prosecute these types of cases. She is ill informed. Murphy protests if this is happening we should advocate for better District Attorneys or, even better, to put more info on the registry page so the public viewing it can see Frank is not a serious threat to them or their families. She stated that after knowing Frank twenty seconds, she would allow her children to play with Frank’s kids. What this statement proved is Wendy Murphy is a blustering voice who has no real clue on how the registry affects the lives of those it touches including the families of those registered.
None of these concerns were discussed. The interview was edited to fit the time requirements for the Stossel show. It’s understandable, since media has a time frame they work with and are held too. But should we as parents, grandparents, teachers and citizens ask for another show to discuss these issues so we do not find our sons or daughters on the registry as lifetime predators?
It’s time we work on prevention and awareness so that we do not destroy more Franks and Rickys across this country, under the banner of “protecting children.” In reality, we are destroying them and any future they may have. Life as a registered sex offender will affect their future housing, employment,
education and the parenting of their children who will also become victims of these laws.
As for Wendy Murphy, I challenge her to step up to the plate and discover whether indeed these are “rare” cases. Then my advice to her will be: “Get a clue.” I’d also ask her to work with me to instill programs into our schools, community clinics, Planned Parenthood and Health Departments to give parents and their children a chance to know the law and its consequences which cause more harm than good.
In reality, we all have a responsibility to prevent this from happening and working together so that we truly can save one child from the life as a Registered Sex Offender.
Mary Duval
08-03-10
CEO SOSEN Inc.
www.sosen.org
918.575.0193