Why It’s Even More Dangerous to Trick or Treat in Missouri Now

I would be a complete hypocrite to claim that I've always been careful on Halloween, but even the old version of me would want to be aware that it's even more dangerous to trick or treat in Missouri now thanks to a recent ruling.

Do you allow your kids to go door-to-door in Missouri seeking candy on October 31? Did you know that there is a ruling that puts them in greater danger? Here's what's going on. The state of Missouri has statute 589.426 which restricted known sex offenders from participating in Halloween. It said that those convicted of those crimes could not:

• Have any Halloween-related contact with children
• Could not go outside their home between 5:30pm and 10pm on October 31 except for job or emergency responsibilities
• Leave lights off after 5pm
• Post a sign outside their residence saying "No candy or treats at this residence"

There is now a restraining order saying that last restriction requiring a sign violates freedom of speech laws and can no longer be enforced.

This is just me talking, but in my opinion if you're a convicted sex offender, your rights of "free speech" don't matter diddly squat compared to the rights of my children and others to be safe from you.

My family no longer celebrates this holiday anymore so it won't be a problem for us, but many families still do which is why I share this.

Surely common sense will win the day in the courts eventually and put this requirement back in place, but until then...beware.