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In Corpus Christi, Texas, state district judge J. Manuel Banales ordered 21 men convicted of breaking various Texas sex laws to post signs to this effect at their homes, with portable signs and bumper stickers for their cars, warning the public of their crimes. After his order took effect on May 18, 2001, it didn't take long for the consequences, according to court testimony: two men were evicted from their homes, several had their property vandalized, one man's father got a death threat, and one man attempted suicide.

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"It's as if we're going back to the times of scarlet letters, public hangings, and witch hunts," said Gerald Rogen, president of the Corpus Christi Criminal Defense Lawyers Organization. "It's practically the equivalent of branding."

But judging by media reports, Corpus Christians seemed more concerned about the property values of homes next door to those the state of Texas was affixing with a bull's-eye. An ABC opinion poll had respondents concluding 2 to 1 that the signs were "fair" and necessary.

Although Judge Banales later reduced to 14 the number of men who must post the signs, he refused an appeal to amend his order.

"They have only themselves to blame," Banales said, "Wherever they go, whatever time of day or night, we want people to be aware of where these offenders are." According to the judge, Texas laws requiring that sex criminals' pictures and addresses be posted on the Internet and in local newspapers did not go far enough in protecting children from sexual predation. "A lot of people can't afford to go on the Internet, particularly in poorer neighborhoods," he said, "and some people don't read newspapers."

Use of scarlet letters has come into vogue in a few places in the US since the mid-90s. Texas and Oregon are among the states that have used such warning signs on a limited basis for men branded "high-risk," and as an addition to public registries.

"It totally undermines any rehabilitation efforts," says Stephen Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Given America's patchwork of sex laws-- criminalizing everything from anal penetration and wanks in the park to underage blow-jobs-- a significant proportion of the US population runs the risk of getting labeled as "sex offenders." Are ghastly lawn and hood ornaments in their future?