Dennis Tuuri

Full PEAPAC Analysis

PEAPAC Recommendation: The Parents Education Association is committed to bringing a biblical perspective to public policy issues. The Bible plainly tells us that God has instituted civil government to punish people that do evil things, and, as a result, the government provides protection and safety for its citizens (Rom. 13). 1 Timothy 2:1,2 and Jeremiah 29:7 tell us we are to pray and work towards peace in our cities, which would include personal safety. This Ballot Measure would mandate that habitual sexual offenders and drivers who repeatedly drive while intoxicated receive stronger punishments via longer jail times than at present. The intended result is the safety of citizens.

In the Bible, the punishment for violent rape and, by extension, other serious sexual felonies, was the death penalty (Dt. 22:25-27). Since we are not ready to affirm God’s justice in this way, prison is the primary means we use to keep citizens safe from sexual criminals. We support the provisions of this Measure requiring long mandatory prison sentences for repeat sexual felons. Locking up third time drunk or drugged drivers for 90 days, which this Measure also mandates, is another way this Measure seeks to protect people. While we are concerned with the repeated lowering of the standard used to define driving while intoxicated, overall, we support this provision as well.

We believe it’s the job of the Legislature, not the citizenry via ballot measures, to protect us, and Measures such as this one should be unnecessary. However, our Legislature is currently dominated by people who seem more concerned about treating the offenders, rather than protecting the citizens. Ultimately, their approach does neither. We believe that the best way to help those tempted to sexual crime or driving while intoxicated is the promise of stiff punishments, which also keeps Oregonians safe. We urge your Yes vote on Measure 73