Readers React: Not enough debate on marking the passports of sex offenders

To the editor: I think HR 515, also known as the International Megan’s Law, had enough significance to have been debated by Congress before being sent to the president, but it was not. (“Do sex offenders deserve a scarlet letter on their passport?,” editorial, Feb. 3)

The bill, which would require marking the passports of Americans convicted of a sex offense against a minor, was approved by the House on Monday by voice vote and without discussion or debate about its historic significance. I am told the process used for this vote — suspension of the rules — is typically limited to noncontroversial bills, not one such as HR 515.

The House passed a different version of this bill more than a year ago. It was Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) who added the historic passport requirement. Again, that amendment was not discussed or debated on the floor or in Senate committee.

The bill would apply to U.S. citizens convicted of a sex offense involving a minor who have served their time, been declared by their state to have been rehabilitated and are no longer required to register as sex offenders.

I am afraid of the easy precedent set and about what group will be the next selected for identification.

Carole Urie, Laguna Beach

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