Schumer Reveals: Current Laws on Sex Offenders Leave Glaring Gaps Allowing Pedophiles to Coach Sports, Operate Carnival Rides and Provide Dane and Music Lessons Across New York

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer revealed that current laws restricting sex offenders' access to children does not restrict pedophiles from working with children in jobs which are not funded by the government. These glaring gaps in federal law allow pedophiles to work as coaches, carnival ride operators, dance and music teachers, and many other occupations that by their nature allow sex offenders to have direct contact with children. Schumer is introducing legislation, which would strengthen restrictions on sex offenders to keep them away from any job or volunteer position that requires substantial interaction with kids.

"Convicted sex offenders should not be able to hold any job or volunteer position where they have interaction with children in New York or across the country, period," Schumer said. "The fact that these sex offenders are able to coach our children's teams, operate rides at fairs, and give dance and music lessons is beyond scary and we must take immediate action to stop it. This new legislation will close this huge loophole so no children are put into harm's way."

Standing at Gould Park with the Executive Director of Parents for Megan's Law, Laura Ahearn and concerned parents in the Hudson Valley, Schumer made the case that the time has come to close this glaring loophole in our laws in order to better protect children and families.

Currently, registered sex offenders can hold various positions that require direct contact with children. The following is a sampling of the positions convicted sex offenders can hold: karate instructor, dance instructor, music instructor, magician, clown, amusement park and carnival worker, sports, recreation and entertainment center worker, video arcade employee, child theme party store worker, private tutor, coach for youth sports, youth mentoring facility worker, and children museum worker.

Schumer's legislation would amend current federal law to prevent explicitly convicted and registered sex offenders from accepting paid or volunteer employment positions which by their inherent nature places an individual in direct and substantial contact with minors. Currently, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 leaves sex offender employment decisions up to the states. Schumer's legislation would require states to prevent sex offenders from accepting any of these child-serving positions, ensuring that children across the country are protected from offenders.

Schumer added, "When it comes to the safety of the children across New York, we cannot be too careful - it's time to prevent sex offenders from gaining access to our children once and for all."

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