Ruling didn't create 'safe haven'

To the editor:In response to the story "Crowell seeks Bill of Rights change": The Missouri Legislature needs to be extremely cautious about state Sen. Jason Crowell's proposal to change the Missouri Constitution so that sex offenders convicted before January 1995 would have to register. While well-intentioned, the measure could have dramatic consequences that need to be carefully evaluated.

Regarding Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle's comment that the Missouri Surpeme Court's ruling "created a risk that Missouri would become a haven for elderly child molesters" who committed their crimes before Jan. 1, 1995: He needs to read the Missouri law that requires all sex offenders who are required to register in another state to also register in Missouri, even if their crimes occurred before Jan. 1, 1995. The ruling does not and will not make Missouri a safe haven for elderly sex offenders.

BRIAN E. OLIVER, St. Louis