No

Clearly you are not a fan. I actually believe this case may simply point out how ridiculous and punitive registry violations are currently classed. It is a civil regulatory scheme, right?

To your point of why he may have been looking into your case. I’m not defending his actions, if true, but wouldn’t you do due diligence when providing “how to” instruction when explaining your background to the German authorities to travel there?

I would never choose to go the asylum path, so all this is moot to me. If I wanted to immigrate elsewhere, I would take all information in for consideration. I think this decision is a black eye for the Florida dimwits would run the state – thanks for doing the hard work Stephen.

Realizing that one’s state is pursuing policies that are embarrassing in front of the world can spur change. Some of the realization that civil rights had to be addressed in the 1950s resulted from the application of Jim Crow laws to foreign dignitaries who were unlucky enough to be traveling in the south.

Denise Harvey is, thank God, still living happily and peacefully in Saskatchewan after the Dominion of Canada stuck its thumb in Florida’s eye. Now Germany has put out its other eye. This ruling may have no legal meaning in Florida, but you don’t have to have too much imagination to see that it can have a big public relations meaning.

Agree with both Jacob and Jed – he wasn’t very kind to FAC, but this is newsworthy nonetheless and it is a clear indication that courts in other countries find some of our “registry non-punishments” so draconian that they would sooner give a registrant asylum in their country than send them back to the United States. It’s also pretty interesting to see a defector from the United States become a refugee in another country. This might be an avenue for many to get their lives and dignity back!

Before anyone orders Rosetta Stone in German, keep in mind that Steven’s status is “Absconded” from the Florida registry and since he was civilly committed before, he’s a likely candidate should he be brought back here. That means indefinite confinement. In other words, a life sentence for a technical violation of a “civil – non-criminal” statute. Another country is likely more likely to grant asylum to someone facing that than lesser sanctions.

Jed is right, this may not have any influence on US-based registration schemes, but it could provide a blueprint for those who prefer to live lawfully in the EU.