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Release: Stephen Webber Has Failed Missouri Families and Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 12, 2016

Contact: Jonathon Prouty

jprouty@mogop.org

 

COLUMBIA—Stephen Webber has a disturbing record when it comes to our families and our children. Webber has consistently voted against tougher punishment for sex offenders, endangering our children and putting Mid-Missouri families at risk.

  • In April 2009, Webber was one of only 36 representatives to vote to allow sex offenders who were convicted in a foreign country of child sex crimes such as child pornography, incest, child molestation, etc., access to playgrounds, swimming pools, and to continue to be an athletic coach for children under 17. (1)
  • In April 2009, Webber was one of only 14 representatives who voted against a crime bill [HB 384] that included provisions to crack down on sex offenders and others who commit crimes against children. (2)
  • In May 2009, Webber voted against a bill signed by Governor Nixon [HB 62] that banned sex offenders from playgrounds, swimming pools and childcare facilities. The bill also banned sex offenders from coaching youth sports teams. (3)
  • In 2009, Webber was one of only 15 representatives to vote against SB 36 & 112, making the penalty for child rape or sodomy for kids 12 and younger, when it has been determined that torture or depravity of minors was involved, life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. (4)
  • In 2013, Webber voted for a bill limiting public information on the most egregious offenders on the Missouri sex offender registry. Child Advocate Joyce Estes said “I think the public would be very upset because they want to know who is living in their neighborhood. Are there sex offenders around here? Are there sex offenders around my child’s school? They need to know that.” (5)

 

It is clear that Stephen Webber can’t be trusted to protect Mid-Missouri families and keep our communities safe.

 

Sources:

1: Missouri House Journal, April 7, 2009; April 8, 2009, Overall vote on HA 1 to HA 2 to HB 62: 36-100, Webber vote: Yes

2: Missouri State House, HB 384 – Bill Summary, Accessed March 20, 2016; Missouri House Journal, April 23, 2009, Overall vote on HB 384: 144-14, Webber vote: No

3: The Associated Press, May 15, 2009; Missouri House Journal, May 15, 2009, Overall vote on HB 62: 124-34, Webber vote: No

4: Missouri State Senate, SBs 36 & 112 – Bill Summary, Accessed March 20, 2016; Missouri House Journal, May 7, 2009, Overall vote on SBs 36 & 112: 138-15, Webber vote: No

5: Constitution-Tribune, Editorial, May 15, 2013; Missouri House Journal, April 29, 2013, Overall vote on HB 589: 101-52, Webber vote: Yes; Rowden vote: No