Sexual Violence

Re “Vigilantism Masks Real Threat to Kids,” Commentary, Jan. 28: Elizabeth Schroeder’s commentary was a correct observation of how sex offender reporting laws can create an illusion of safety and also encourage vigilantism. However, she was mistaken about the purpose of the act of stoning as described in the Bible.

The act of stoning described in the Old Testament (for rape and other offenses) was the punishment that resulted from a court procedure of due process, where the accused generally could only be convicted upon the testimony of two or three witnesses. This biblical death penalty was not supposed to be an act of vigilantism, but an act of justice.

Unless our modern society also begins to execute convicted rapists, including child rapists, the cycle of sexual violence and erosion of each person’s civil liberties will continue.

KEVIN R. MEYER