Missouri Can’t Make Sex Offenders Post ‘No Candy’ Halloween Sign

Registered sex offenders in Missouri no longer have to post a sign at their door reading “No candy or treats at this residence” on Halloween, after a federal court ruled that requirement is unconstitutional.

The sign posting requirement is compelled speech that would require plaintiff Thomas L. Sanderson to deliver a message he disagreed with to the public using his private property, Judge John A. Ross, of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, said Wednesday. Ross put a statewide injunction on the sign requirement, which he said violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

Ross noted ...