Should register be life sentence?

The offenders’ register, aimed at protecting children from sex offenders and other threats, should be in place by the end of the year. It will be kept at the law courts and organisations working with children will be legally obliged to consult it before employing someone. The Protection of Minors Registration Act proposes offenders remain on the register for life – but should they be given a chance to get off the list of notoriety? Claudia Calleja asked people in Valletta what they think.

Maria Borg, 58, Valletta
I would give these people one chance but if they do it again that’s it. Then it clearly means the offender will never learn or change. Although they might need psychological help, why should innocent children be at risk?

Joseph Borg, 64, Valletta
I don’t agree with giving these people a second chance. Once a person abuses or does something to get on the list they should remain there. This applies to paedophiles and other offenders. I believe they will never change. Once a thief, always a thief.

Sharon Aquilina, 26, Lija
I agree with ensuring these people cannot work with children. This does not mean they should be barred from working at all. Although some may change, I think their name should remain on the list. They should never be allowed to work with children. What if they fall into their old habits? I wouldn’t risk it.

Louis Cuschieri, 54, Ħamrun
Offenders’ names should remain on the register unless they reform. Not all cases are as serious as others so each case should be examined individually. Someone who committed a very serious crime should remain listed, but other, less serious cases should be reviewed and names removed if the offender changes.

Rita Blundell, 44, Valletta
The time a person spends listed should depend on the gravity of the case. Those found guilty of paedophilia and child pornography should remain on the list for life. But less serious offenders should not be there forever.

Ritienne Coreschi, 22, Luqa
All offenders, once listed, should not be allowed to work with children for life, but the register should not mean they can’t work anywhere. Although these people may change their ways, why place them in an environment where they are tempted to relapse.

Robert Galea, 25, Mosta
Our legal system works in the way that people are jailed or punished to reform and not just to pay them back. So it does not make sense to blacklist a person for life. I’m sure it’s not humane. They should be given a chance to get off the register. There are criminals who have reformed from various crimes.

Mary Vassallo, 60, Tarxien
When it comes to children, there’s no messing around in any way. Offenders should remain listed for life, especially if they are teachers. So, since it would not be fair to discriminate by profession, all offenders should stay there for life too.