How to Avoid Louisiana Sex Offenders This Halloween
It's hard to believe, but Christmas is just around the corner... we can tell because it's not yet Halloween, and stores are already setting up Christmas displays and merchandise. But let's get through Halloween first. And let's get through it safely.
Everyone loves getting scared at Halloween. Scary costumes, haunted houses and trick or treating is all in good fun, but Louisiana wants to make sure your fun is safe. So to make sure your fun doesn't turn into a real-life horror, Louisiana has a statute in place that makes sure convicted sex offenders are not allowed to participate in trick-or-treat festivities.
The law actually says convicted sex offenders are not allowed to dress up in costumes on holidays and give out candy or gifts. Louisiana Statute 14:313.1, Items A & B actually state:
- It shall be unlawful for any person convicted of or who pleads guilty to a sex offense specified in R.S. 24:932 to distribute candy or other gifts to persons under eighteen years of age on or concerning Halloween, Mardi Gras, Easter, Christmas, or any other recognized holiday for which generally candy is distributed or other gifts given to persons under eighteen years of age.
- Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of to less than six months nor more than three years.
And that would apply to your local mall or store Santa as well. I know for a fact Bass Pro Shops has a very vigorous screening process, including an extensive background check before allowing anyone to don the beloved red suit.
You can make sure there are no convicted sex offenders in your neighborhood by checking the Louisiana State Police Sex Offender Registry.