Most sexual assaults, including those involving kids, aren't between strangers, experts note, but between people who know one another.

"We don't have evidence of higher incidence of sexual offenses against children on Halloween than other times," says Ernie Allen, president of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Alexandria, Va. "And because there are offenders who don't have prior history, it's important that communities don't feel a sense of security because sex offenders are required to stay in the house with the porch lights off."

I guess a "no candy here" sign is better than the alternative: requiring the posting of a sign that says "sex offender lives here" -- but what about all the people who want to avoid Halloween, keep their lights out and pretend they aren't home to avoid trick or treaters? Will they be disinclined to do so fearing they will be mistaken for a sex offender? People have a right to celebrate or not celebrate a holiday. These regulations are unnecessary and infringe on personal liberties.