FAC Weekly Update 2024-05-27-Registration Office Reports

Dear Members and Advocates,

Memorial Day is like the unofficial start to summer break; families BBQ on the grill, the local pool announces its opening day, and retailers promote big sales. While everyone has the freedom to celebrate as they choose, Americans should also remember that this day as a somber occasion. Established during the Civil War, Memorial Day honors those who have died in military service for the U.S.  In observance, put up your flag and stop for a moment to give thanks to the men and women who fought for our freedom THEN, and in solidarity to those who are fighting for our freedom NOW!

As a reminder, we now have a support group for Veterans that meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month by phone.  The group is still in the early stage of getting acquainted and they are proudly sharing their experiences from their military service.  We encourage Veterans and their family members to join the group for comradery, encouragement and tips for accessing veteran benefits.  The next call is Tuesday May 28 at 8pm ET.  Call 760-548-9898 to participate.  The group is considering other call times to accommodate more veterans.

Freedom is a word that sometimes gets stuck in my throat…and hard to swallow. Freedom is not a privilege, it’s a human right.   A privilege is something given to you by someone in charge; you get to do something with permission.  A “right” is inherent, something which exists without permission from any power or authority.  While one can expect privileges to be taken away under certain circumstances, we should never expect, or accept, that our human rights can be taken away.  FAC continues to bring awareness to the public that the Registry schema is a violation of our human right to freedom. We continue to promote our petition to the United Nations Human Rights Commission. Help us reach our goal of 7,500 signatures before June 20th when FAC members will be attending the NARSOL conference in Atlanta.  Tell friends and family to sign the petition at https://www.change.org/FAC-humanrightsforall .  NOTE: If asked for a donation, the funds will go to Change.org, not FAC.  No donations are necessary and you must have internet access.

By definition, FREEDOM is the right to conduct one’s affairs without governmental interference, and the government has an obligation not to unduly (unnecessarily) limit individual freedoms.  Yet, persons forced to register (PFR) constantly experience an unnecessary loss of freedom in their choice of housing, employment, family relations, community services, and even in their freedom to worship.  The Registry schema in Florida has well exceeded what may be “necessary” for public safety, and the State of Florida has confused freedom (a human right) with privilege (an advantage not enjoyed by everyone).  With every opportunity you encounter, be sure to remind legislators and others that “Freedom is not a privilege, it’s a human right.”

What further complicates the undue loss of freedom by the registry, is the way each county interprets the registration statutes (775.21 or 943.0435)  Time to take this short quiz, as it applies to you:

1. What is your registration office asking you to report at re-registration (or an interim registration) that you feel is not supported by statute?  Example:  Some registration offices are asking for flight information or the hotel you will be staying in when you leave the state for domestic travel.  Neither of these are required by statute.
2. Does your registration office allow for walk-ins, or are you required to make an appointment?  If appointment is required, do you have a choice of day/time or is it assigned to you?
3. What other difficulties, due to registration office policies, do you experience when trying to comply with registration requirements?

Please send your information to media@floridaactioncommittee.org and be sure to include the name of the county.  Your contact name and phone is optional.  You do not have to resend information that you have already sent to FAC in the past. Responses will be compiled into a general report, and FAC members will arrange meetings with FDLE and Sheriff offices to seek clarifications.

As June approaches, several FAC Directors and members are planning to attend the NARSOL conference in Atlanta June 20-23.  At the conference, we will be meeting affiliates and experts from around the country.  We will be focused on bringing unity to organizations, sharing resources and services, including legal opportunities and public messaging. If you plan to attend, contact membership@floridaactioncommittee.org so we can include you in special FAC events at the conference.

Spread the word….With Unity Comes Change.

Sincerely,

The Florida Action Committee (FAC)