We, as residents of ManheimTownship, feel that the ManheimTownship curfew orfinance unjust, not effective, and should be abolished. We feel that they should be abolished because of the horrible infringements on basic rights of youth, and the overall ineffectiveness of the law. While supporters claim that it prevents juvenile crime, in reality it has little to no effect. Researchers Mike A. Males and Dan McAllister said that, “Statistical analysis does not support the claim that curfew and other status enforcement reduces any type of juvenile crime, either on an absolute (raw) basis or relative to adult crime rates.”  If you think about it logically, most people that would be committing crimes, don’t have respect for curfew laws anyway, and will disregard them. Another thing many supporters of the law say is that teenagers and children in general shouldn’t be out that late at night. However, that’s a family decision, and not something the government should be able to decide.

The fact that an ordinance can be in effect which makes it illegal to be outside is absurd and outrageous in our eyes. Usually, curfews only exist in times of national emergency or military occupation. For example, on June 14, 1940 when the Germans occupied Paris they imposed an 8 o’clock curfew. It is our opinion that the Municipality of Manheim Township puts a strange twist on this familiar concept by preventing only people of a certain age from being outside. This is blatant discrimination against young people, and is judging people purely on their age. Curfew laws also put a drain on police resources, who, rather than making sure teenagers aren’t out late, should be working to keep real criminals off the streets.

            The enclosed signatures are of the people who support our cause in ending curfews all over ManheimTownship. We would appreciate any response on your behalf.