A bill being pushed by Washington State Democrats, HB 2177, is a disturbing example of their misguided priorities. This bill, which focuses on adopting “person-first” language for sex offenders, not only seeks to destigmatize these criminals but even goes so far as to rename the Sex Offender Policy Board (SOPB) to the Sex Offense Policy Board. Alarmingly, it also proposes including a convicted sex offender as a board member, without any restriction on the severity of their crime. This means that even the most dangerous offenders, Level 3 sex offenders, could be given a seat at the table.
The SOPB, originally established to manage sex offenders and ensure community safety, appears to have strayed from its core mission. Now, it seems more focused on advocating for the rights of sex offenders rather than protecting the public. Spearheaded by State Rep. Tarra Simmons, a Democrat with a criminal record herself, the bill aims to bring the “lived experiences” of sex offenders to the forefront of policy-making. This approach seems not only misguided but also dangerous. It’s difficult to fathom how victims of sex crimes, who are also represented on the board, would feel about serving alongside a rapist.
The use of person-first language is a concerning piece of the legislation, as it attempts to sanitize the image of sex offenders. While traditionally used to describe people with disabilities respectfully, person-first language now seems to be employed to downplay serious criminal acts. If the bill passes, any sex offender serving on the board would be referred to as a “representative with lived experience with incarceration for a sex offense.” This not only obscures the gravity of their crimes but also disrespects the victims.
Moreover, this bill appears to be part of a broader campaign by Washington Democrats to normalize sex offenders and integrate them into communities. Last year, they attempted to place a child rapist in an unsecured house near a children’s gathering spot in Tenino, relenting only after public pressure. The SOPB even recommended ending a rule prohibiting the housing of sex offenders near childcare facilities, absurdly claiming no increased risk.
The Democrats’ focus on protecting the rights of sex offenders, often at the expense of public safety, is deeply troubling. Their efforts to destigmatize such individuals and integrate them into communities without considering the potential risks expose a dangerous level of naivety and disregard for victim rights. Democrats’ alarming policy trend underscores the need for a serious reevaluation of priorities, with an emphasis on protecting the public and ensuring justice and respect for victims.
