Speak Compassion

In a recent post, I explained how a group of 24 men in Huntsville, Alabama were arrested for alleged sexual misconduct in a sex sting.   The mens’ pictures and names were then released to the public via press release by the police.   Sadly,  I had hoped we would not see a repeat of similar events that happened in Rhode Island, where such attempts to embarrass those arrested as a method of sending a message to the public led to the suicide of one of the men.

Now we are seeing similar endings from another of these public humiliation cases.   This time in Tennessee where 40 men were arrested in a sex sting.  Again, in some type of action to deter this behavior in others, the mens’ photos and names were released to the public.   This public action has led to the death of one of the wives of the men and another has committed suicide.   One of the men is now suing the police.  Pam Has the story here.

I have to wonder if whatever the police feel they have gained in this was worth all the destroyed lives.  I also have to wonder whatever happen to “innocent until proven guilty.”   These men should have had a fair trial before being punished by law enforcement officials.

I don’t condone public sex.  I think it is sad that these men chose to live in the shadows.  I believe they have been driven to this hiding and sneaking around by the same people who complain they do it (Conservative Christian groups like AFTAH).   It is a crazy cycle.   I favor restorative justice over punitive tactics 100% of the time.  Far less lives are ruined when we choose better tactics to deal with those in our community that act in ways that break the law.

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Alabama Sex Sting Arrests: Hoping History Doesn’t Repeat Itself