I am a childhood sexual abuse survivor and a retired Michigan police lieutenant, and my story is not unique. It is a story that echoes through the voices of many in my community, resonating with those who have lived through similar horrors. Like myself, and countless others in Michigan, I was sexually assaulted by a man who was rightfully listed on the Sex Offender Registry. However, following the September 2026 Supreme Court ruling, he is no longer on that list. This development not only causes deep personal distress but raises significant concerns about public safety and the rights of survivors.

The Michigan Sex Offender Registry Act (SORA) has served as a vital tool for victims and law enforcement to monitor individuals convicted of sexual offenses. This list has offered a measure of assurance and protection, a layer of vigilance in a community where many still carry the scars of past abuse. The recent changes have left thousands removed from the registry—a decision that poses a potential risk to public safety and peace of mind for survivors and their families.

It is paramount that the legislative consequences of removing offenders from the registry are scrutinized. We must understand the real impact this ruling has on victims who feel that justice and safety are eroded. We are not saying all whom the ruling affects pose a continued threat; rather, there must be a calculated and careful approach to decisions so integral to public safety.

We demand legislative hearings to address this pivotal issue. We seek transparency about how these changes were decided, clarity on how public safety measures will adapt, and reassurance that survivors' voices remain integral to the legal process. Further, we call for an evaluation of possible amendments to SORA that take into account both public safety and constitutional fairness.

There is an urgent need for a balance that honors the trauma survivors have endured while ensuring that justice accounts adequately for societal safety. Our voices, the voices of survivors, deserve to be heard, as do our concerns about the safety of our communities.

We urge the Michigan Legislature to hold these hearings swiftly, engaging with survivors, legal experts, and public safety officials. This is a matter of critical importance that requires immediate attention and action. By signing this petition, you support our call for justice, safety, and a more comprehensive approach to managing the sex offender registry.

Please join us in this essential call for action and sign our petition to protect victims and ensure the safety of our communities.