Supreme Court Declines Missouri Halloween 'No Candy' Sign Case
The U.S. Supreme Court on October 19 declined to hear Missouri's appeal, leaving in place a lower court ruling that the state's requirement that registered sex offenders post 'no candy' signs on Halloween violates free speech rights. The law was challenged by Thomas Sanderson, a resident of Hazelwood in St. Louis County, Missouri.
Missouri's 2008 law requires registered sex offenders on Halloween night to avoid contact with children, remain inside their homes between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., leave outdoor lights off, and post a sign at their residence stating 'No candy or treats at this residence.' Sanderson, who was convicted of a sex offense in 2006 and for years created elaborate Halloween displays at his home, was prosecuted in 2022 for violating the rules and then challenged the sign requirement.
A federal judge and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit both ruled against the state, holding that the mandatory sign is compelled speech that cannot survive strict scrutiny. The appeals court said there is no evidence children would be at risk without the signs, as long as offenders comply with the state's other Halloween restrictions.
Missouri argued that Halloween is the night children are most likely to approach sex offenders' doors and that the signs protect children. Sanderson's lawyer countered that adding a scarlet-letter law does not meaningfully protect children or aid enforcement of the other restrictions. The Supreme Court gave no reason for declining the case; Justice Samuel Alito dissented, saying he would have taken it. (GSM, based on USA Today reporting)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：密苏里州议会大厦航拍，杰斐逊城（资料图）。照片：KTrimble，Wikimedia Commons（CC0）。Aerial view of the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City (file photo). Photo: KTrimble, Wikimedia Commons (CC0).
