The NYT reports:

A federal judge in Missouri on Monday temporarily blocked parts of a new state law that requires sexual offenders to remain in their homes on Halloween evening and to avoid any contact with children related to the holiday.

The judge, Carol E. Jackson, of United States District Court in St. Louis, said the law was unclear, questioning language that prohibits "all Halloween-related contact with children" and allows sexual offenders to leave their homes from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. only if they have "just cause."

Two issues raised by the case were whether sexual offenders could celebrate the holiday with their own children or grandchildren, for example by hanging decorations or carving pumpkins, and on what grounds they could leave home during the curfew. . . .

Chief Judge Jackson allowed two provisions in the law to stand, requiring sexual offenders to post a sign stating "no candy or treats at this residence" and to turn off any porch lights.