DETROIT – The ACLU of Michigan is disappointed that the Michigan Senate passed flawed legislation this week that is not evidence-based and that fails to respond to key aspects of a court ruling holding parts of Michigan’s Sex Offenders Registration Act (SORA) unconstitutional. The legislation was passed nine months after the United States District Court for the Eastern District ruled yet again – as both federal and state courts have done repeatedly – that aspects of SORA are unconstitutional. The Senate passed the legislation swiftly only days after it was introduced and without opportunities for input from key stakeholders.
The following statement is from Miriam Aukerman, ACLU of Michigan senior staff attorney:
“Lawmakers have had nine months to fix the broken and bloated registry. But rather than working together with survivor groups, judges, criminal law experts, law enforcement, and other crucial stakeholders to get it right, the legislature is suddenly rushing to pass a flawed law that does not hold up to constitutional scrutiny, is not based on scientific evidence, and could result in further litigation, again costing taxpayers millions of dollars. This bill is riddled with errors. Legislation should not be drafted in secrecy behind closed doors. We have made clear that we are willing to work with the state, including seeking an extension of judicial deadlines, so that we can fix this broken and harmful registry. Michiganders and their families deserve better. They deserve a system that works by prioritizing public safety and prevention, not a failed, counter-productive approach that makes all of us less safe because it sabotages the ability of people with past convictions to find housing, employment, and family support, which are key to successful reentry.”
In addition to attorneys from the ACLU, the plaintiffs are represented by retired University of Michigan law professor Paul Reingold and the law firm of Loevy & Loevy.
For additional information see:
Michigan’s Registry: Know the Facts