Gordon Wants Tougher Restrictions Placed On Sexual Offenders

Gordon Wants Tougher Restrictions Placed On Sexual Offenders

May 5, 2005, WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon wants tougher federal restrictions put on convicted sexual offenders after they are released from prison.

Gordon, dean of the Tennessee congressional delegation, is cosponsoring HR 1505, the Jessica Lunsford Act, and HR 1355, the Child Predator Act. Both bills require closer monitoring of sexual offenders and predators and stiffer penalties for those who fail to register their whereabouts with the proper authorities.

"The recent kidnapping and murder of 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford was horrifying, as was the murder of 13-year-old Sarah Lunde," Gordon said. "Both suspects in these murders had a history of sexual crimes.

"These cases are unfortunate proof of why we need tougher restrictions and monitoring policies for anyone who has been convicted of a sexual assault."

While both bills require closer monitoring of sexual offenders, the Jessica Lunsford Act would require a satellite-monitoring device to be placed on the ankle of a sexual offender or predator. And the Child Predator Act would place the Federal Bureau of Investigation's child predator database on the Internet for public disclosure.

"Not only do we need to give law enforcement authorities better tools to track and deal with these dangerous criminals, but we also need to give our communities better information concerning any sexual offender or predator who may be living nearby," Gordon said.

"Our children trust us to protect them from harm. Anything that we can do to keep them safe is a worthwhile effort," the congressman added.

http://www.house.gov/gordon/newsroom/press_050505_tougherrestrictions.shtml