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Peaceful Protest and Court Hearing Update
From WAR National; Re, California International Megan’s Law Protest July 27th, 2016.
What an exciting day! It began early for most but even earlier as the Anti-Registry folks, Derek and Tom arrived at 6:30 AM to set-up and kickoff the day. Others began arriving and the display was like “a greeting committee for speed readers.”
The court hearing began shortly after 9 AM and the gallery behind Attorney Janice Bellucci was very noticeable. Speckled with men, women and children. The attorney for the state made her arguments, but without the pointed determination of Attorney Bellucci. When observing the female judge it was evident the wheels were turning as the argument was made that time was required to research the state’s assertion that other laws prior to the International Megan’s Law also inform foreign governments of sex offenders’ travel plans, including National Guidelines for Sex Offender Registration and Notification, which allows U.S. Marshals to advise nations of sex offenders coming to their jurisdictions, and the Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Operation Angel Watch. Attorney Bellucci indicated she had just learned of this and would like to have time to amend. One outcome could have been the judge ruling from the bench and dismissing, but thankfully she didn’t and it should be forthcoming in a few weeks.
http://www.courthousenews.com/2016/07/27/sex-offenders-fight-passport-scarlet-letter.htm
The peaceful protest, which included forty activists, took on more fervor as media arrived and we were able to share our stories, viewpoints and WAR Family brochures with the foot traffic entering and leaving the court building. While it was not massive it was very evident the public took notice and the seeds were planted.
WAR had a Utah based documentary film crew, Metamora Films, with us. They did an excellent job of captured the mood, interactions and preparations.
http://www.abc10.com/news/local/california/sex-offenders-protest-their-right-for-travel/282998981
The progression of events from 6:30 AM, when the Anti-Registry team arrived, till the protest permit expired at 11:30 AM delivered in an incredible way.
Please remember this saying:
Sustained Pressure Advocacy
“If you go to one demonstration and then go home, that’s something, but the people in power can live with that. What they can’t live with is sustained pressure that keeps building, organizations that keep doing things, people that keep learning lessons from the last time and doing it better the next time.” Naom Chomsky
WAR National Board of Directors
Authority to impose additional supervision conditions appeal Alliance for Constitutional Sex Offense Laws
