Ragan Cast Sole Vote Against Bill Prohibiting Child Abusers from Contacting their Victims
Ragan
ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — The families of abused children deserve answers from Republican State Rep. John Ragan, who voted against a bill (HB 1329) that would prohibit convicted child abusers from contacting their victims. In the entire General Assembly, Ragan was the only “no” vote.
“It is our moral responsibility and Christian duty to protect children from abusers and bullies, and we were glad this important reform passed through the State House and State Senate with bipartisan support,” said Brandon Puttbrese of the Tennessee Democratic Party. “John Ragan has made a name for himself as a politician who will not stand up for the children of Tennessee and Anderson County. Ragan’s bizarre opposition to this common sense legislation is one more black stripe in a troubling pattern of irresponsible, anti-children votes.”
The vote on House Bill 1329 was held in April of 2011. The bill allows for courts to prohibit any person convicted of child abuse or aggravated child abuse from contacting their victims if the person does not have any parental rights to such victim, including contact via electronic means. The bill passed the State House by a margin of 96-1, with Ragan as the lone ‘no’ vote. It passed the State Senate unanimously, and was subsequently signed into law.
“Protecting children who suffered at the hands of an abuser is not a partisan issue,” said Puttbrese. “John Ragan owes Anderson County an apology for this shameful vote. Then John Ragan should look into the eyes of an abused child or the parents of an abused child and ask himself the question: why did you vote against a bill that protects children from their attackers?”
Background
Tennessee General Assembly: HB 1329-Child Abuse – As enacted, allows a court to prohibit any person convicted of child abuse or aggravated child abuse from contacting such person’s victim if the person does not have any parental rights to such victim, including contact via electronic means. [HB 1329, 2/16/11]
