I completely agree with you. However, I was recently startled to learn something new about this subject.
I volunteer for several organizations, one of which is a free, mobile spay/neuter clinic. I show up three hours before the surgically equipped RV arrives at a public space (such as a community center parking lot or park) to deal with the intake information and admittance as people start lining up to ensure a slot in the limited capacity.
One of the men standing around became distressed as he needed to relieve himself. He did not want to drive anywhere and risk missing check-in after waiting patiently with his dog since 5:30am. The library whose parking lot we were occupying was not yet open (nor was anything else) and there were no gas stations nearby.
I suggested that he simply walk out of sight into the wooded area beyond the parking lot (I'm a girl who camps). He explained that that was not an option because we were within a particular radius (1500 yards maybe?) of a school. I did not understand what that had to do with anything. It was explained to me that he would wet himself before risking having to register as a sex offender for relieving himself. I had no idea that that was a potential outcome.
I could not find a specific reference to the legal precedent, but came across this article referencing the plausibility.
http://www.economist.com/node/14164614
Paragraph 5 under the "Punish First, Think Later" heading.
"At least 13 [states require registration] for urinating in public (in two of which, only if a child was present)."
I found the article startling as one of the things I did before purchasing a home was consult the sex offender registry. It colored my perception of the information provided to me and dismayed me that I was not as well informed as I would like to have been.
On a less serious note...
Should this situation arise again, I suggest you stop, stare, and commend the man on being so unashamed of his anatomical "shortcomings". Just stand clear of the splash zone in case he decides to redirect his aim.
