Judge Cleland’s Covid-19 Order and New Bill in State House

by John on April 13, 2020

There have been two recent developments of importance to people on Michigan’s offense registry.

First, the federal judge handling the Does v. Snyder lawsuits has ordered all police and prosecutors to stop enforcing any of the restrictions on registrants of Michigan’s SORA. The order is retroactive to February 20, 2020 and will continue at least until the end of the COVID-19 emergency.

Second, a bill to revise Michigan’s SORA has been introduced in the Michigan State House (HB 5679). This bill if enacted into law would do essentially nothing to correct the constitutionality problems in the current law, and it wouldn’t change the restrictions under which most registrants now live. The ACLU is organizing a campaign to have this bill defeated in the legislature. We all should participate in this campaign to the extent that we can.

Much more information about the latest court order, and the proposed legislation and the campaign to stop it can be found in the web site of the ACLU of Michigan. Start at www.aclumich.org/SORA, and look particularly at the Michigan Registrants and their Families link where there is a video recording of the campaign kickoff. After you’ve watched the video if you would like to volunteer to help, send an email message to intern@aclumich.org.

Testimonials

From a sex therapist, “One of my clients had been languishing for years until he attended Michigan Citizens for Justice. This support group made a huge difference in his progress. I definitely recommend it.”

From parents, “We had no one that we could talk to about our situation starting from the time our son’s photo was first seen on TV, all the way through imprisonment. Since we have found Michigan Citizens for Justice, we felt a community, we are accepted and we have found a home there among people who understand and can offer advice.”

From a registrant, “You have been such an inspiration to me. It has renewed my efforts to try to make a positive difference in the world.”

From a registrant, “I want to encourage you and the work you’re doing for people affected by the registry. It truly was a God-send for me. I believed that I was alone in my battle, until I received that letter [invitation]. It was the spark to the fire of my journey for freedom. Thank you!”

Published by