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Let Freedom Ring,
Posted on 05/02/2005 9:54:43 AM PDT by MisterRepublican
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — With the father of a slain 9-year-old looking on, Gov. Jeb Bush signed legislation Monday that strengthens punishment and monitoring of child sex abusers.
The Jessica Lunsford Act requires those who prey on children under 12 to be sentenced to at least 25 years in prison and, if they get out, to be tracked for life.
The bill was quickly drafted after March, and sped through the legislative process, pushed by outraged lawmakers.
Bush said Florida's sex offender laws are already tough, and "this bill will make our laws even tougher. It think it is right and just."
Bush hugged Mark Lunsford after signing the bill, telling him he was proud of his leadership in pushing for the measure so soon after his daughter's death.
Lunsford, wearing a tie with pictures of his daughter, said he has been working so furiously to channel his anger into the legislation he hasn't yet really grieved.
"I'm still lost, I haven't really dealt with it yet," Lunsford said after Bush signed the bill. He called the tie his "hug" from Jessica. "I'm still minus my kiss, but that's my hug."
Lunsford has been at the Capitol often in the last month urging legislators to crack down on predators.
It passed both the Senate and House unanimously and was sent to Bush on April 22, just over a month after the girl's body was found March 19. She had vanished from her home in Homosassa the previous month.
John E. Couey, a convicted sex offender who was living near Jessica, is charged with her kidnapping her from her bedroom and murdering her. Detectives say he confessed.
The Legislature passed the bill days after another sex offender was charged in the abduction and murder of 13-year-old Sarah Lunde of Ruskin.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Any time a Florida-related thread is created on FreeRepublic, please be sure to add the "Florida" keyword to it so that interested FReepers don't miss it.
Let Freedom Ring,
It's about time.
I thought the murderer/molester was already on the registered sex offender list? What exactly will they change to make 'tracking' more effective? Hire a full time undercover cop to tail him 24/7? A bullet to the noggin is far more effective in preventing repeat sex offenses.
It's better, but the age should be raised to 16.
A step in the right direction. I hope that those charged with the tasks of tracking these monsters don't drop the ball.
Also, lets hope that the Florida Supreme Court does not say that this law in unconstitutional.
I'm sure the ACLU will jump in and get it declared unconstitutional.
You're absolutely right.
Enforcing existing laws is a good place to start. I stated from the beginning when she was missing the Sheriffs office was messing up. And this new bill is all fine and good, but where does parental responsibility of knowing who your child is associated with begin? I think thats part of it.
The Jessica Lunsford Act requires those who prey on children under 12 to be sentenced to at least 25 years in prison and, if they get out, to be tracked for life.
IF they get out???
IF they are going to be Let out, it should be under ONE condition.
TO BURY THEM!
It's too bad they always wait until after the fact, better late than never. If only we could get all states and congress to push through legislation instead of sitting on it for years. They should all pass another law limiting ACLU from suing.
Jeb, you lost me back at the Hospice.
That may happen.
My concern now is trying to find pedophiles BEFORE they commit their first offense. I have been trying since February to get some help to take down a "child love" website which boasts 3000 members and which has raised almost $300,000 to sue to get rid of child porn laws. The web owner has already filed an "intent to sue" brief with the ACLU.
On his website, I found a post last week by a man who said a single mom with a little boy had just moved in next door. He'd already invited them to dinner, invited them to use his pool, and he had offered to babysit the little boy if the mom wanted a "night out." The same poster then began to describe the fantasies he was having about the possibility he might have some alone time with the little boy. I was appalled.
Something needs to be done about websites that are gathering places for pedophiles who want someone to tell them that their child love feelings are not bad. It sickens me that there are those who promote pedophilia; who think sex with a child is natural.
The middle ages form of execution might be appropriate...hang, draw and quartering.
I agree. I haven't a clue what the law on the book are in here in NY. Florida should also look into revamping it laws so there are no more Terri Schiavos.
Unfortunately, this would still be "after the fact."
I saw the video. Jessica's daddy gave Jeb a big hug...and it didn't look rehearsed. A very touching scene.
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