Susan Molinari: “I would like to commend Mr. Zimmer, Mr. McCollum, chairman of the Crime Subcommittee and Mr. Hyde, the distinguished…”

“I would like to commend Mr. Zimmer, Mr. McCollum, chairman of the Crime Subcommittee and Mr. Hyde, the distinguished chairman of the Judiciary Committee for introducing Megan's law. And on behalf of the children who will not be assaulted or killed and for the parents, who will not suffer their loss I would like to thank you for your hard work. This bill costs nothing, yet takes a step toward protecting something so valuable to every parent--the safety of their children. Critics of this bill have argued that the bill unduly punishes offenders after they have paid their debt to society. What about the void and pain of the parents whose son or daughter became their victim? When are they finished paying? For those who oppose the bill, I ask you to envision the loss of your child. I ask you to feel the loss of your child to a ruthless criminal, who saw her as nothing more than an easy victim. I ask you to stand in the place of Maureen Kanka, the mother of 7-year-old Megan Kanka, who was kidnaped and murdered by a man who had twice been convicted of attacking children. The fact that he was released and allowed to roam the streets in and around young children, is nothing less than placing a wolf among lambs. The danger of recidivism in sex crimes has been demonstrated, time and time again, unfortunately at the expense of another child.”