New ban on sex offenders signed Will help protect children

I was very happy to read this article. It stands to reason if someone has been charged with sexually abusing a child that they should not be allowed to live with minors (aka those under the age of consent). It seems like a no brainier. There needs to be more laws to protect children in this way. There are those who want to abolish the SOR who have children and live with or are married to a registered sex offender that has sexually abused a child. I have often wondered why someone on the SOR is allowed around children, never mind living with them. The downside to this is that those on the registry for what is called Romeo and Juliette offenses will be effected by this negatively. Romeo and Juliette offenses are those situation where a teenager over the age of consent, has a consensual sexual relationship with a teenager under the age of consent. I am happy OK is helping to protect children. Rosie

Posted May 23, 2012 @ 11:48 AM

SHAWNEE, Okla. —

State Rep. Mike Sanders praised Gov. Mary Fallin for signing a bill to protect Oklahoma’s children.
Sanders authored House Bill 3049 after learning that state law does not prohibit a sex offender from living with a minor child. This legislation bans sex offenders who previously abused a child from living with minors.
“A convicted sex offender was living with a minor in my district and I was told that it was not technically illegal,” said Sanders, R-Kingfisher. “I couldn’t have been more surprised. It seems illogical to me that sex offenders cannot reside near schools, yet they can live with a minor child. It’s time to fix this loophole and I was proud to see it win the support of our lawmakers.”
Sanders said the new law will complement Department of Human Services reforms to make the state safer for children.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear the story of a child’s death or suffering and to know that there were ways that it could have been prevented,” Sanders said. “I thank Governor Fallin for her support on this legislation.”
 

http://www.news-star.com/newsnow/x358793419/New-ban-on-sex-offenders-signed