Child molestation may not definitionally be a symptom of mental illness, but it is not a rational act - nor is it one that promotes good mental health among its helpless, young victims. However, he noted, the law ''links that finding to . . . a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the person to control his dangerous behavior.'' Perhaps a selfprofessed incorrigible child molester has a theoretical right to return to the streets and attack new victims as quickly as possible. But, as the court said, society has rights, too. Five other states have similar laws, which in effect also were upheld - Arizona, California, Minnesota, Washington and Wisconsin. The other 44 states need to extend the same protection to their young people.
Children have fragile emotions, as well as weak bodies.
Society has a pressing obligation to do everything within the law to protect them. Enter words describing a concept or keywords.