Sex Offender Status May Jeopardize Treatment for Florida Veteran

Posted on June 20, 2014 in Articles, Featured Articles 

http://floridaactioncommittee.org/sex-offender-status-may-jeopardize-treatment-for-florida-veteran/

A Korean War veteran may be denied treatment for prostate cancer because of sex offenses he committed over 20 years ago.

Today, Panama City station WJHG reports that the man, who was previously homeless and staying at the Panama City Rescue Mission may be denied both treatment by the Veterans Administration AND a roof over his head, all because of his status as a sex offender.

Apparently, the offender wasn’t candid about his criminal history and the rescue mission never checked. As a result, the rescue mission will be changing its policies to screen for sex offenders. At the same time, the VA, which previously committed to treating his cancer, is now re-thinking that decision in light of the veteran’s status. According to the news station, “Naval Support Activity-Panama City, which houses the local VA clinic, tells NewsChannel 7, sex offenders are not allowed on base. It’s unclear if the VA will accommodate veterans with sex convictions.”

What is clear, is that Sex Offenders, even those no longer on probation, are saddled with a lifetime of punishments that extend beyond their judicial sentences. They are also no longer entitled to a roof over their head at a homeless shelter or treatment at a VA hospital, unlike, say… a murderer.

Florida Action Committee (FAC), founded in 2006, is a state-wide consortium of concerned citizens and professionals whose purpose is to promote the prevention of sexual abuse while preserving the safety and dignity of all citizens through carefully structured laws targeting the truly violent, forced, and/or dangerous predatory acts of sex. FAC believes that many aspects of the current approach to sex offenders seriously undermine justice and actually increase the threat of sexual assault against others, particularly children. FAC opposes a publicized registry of sex offenders and seeks to bring an end to the humiliation of people who have already paid for their crimes. FAC asserts that only by supporting justice for all people—offenders and victims alike can a truly safe society be built and secured for all Americans.