It is still simple economics.  Because the economy may have lost some output of $65 billion dollars doesn't make it not simple economics.  Look, I own several businesses and yes I choose not not to hire people with criminal records.  Why?  Well statistics show that people are more likely to re-offend than are people to offend for their first time.  I have a brand to protect and I'll do everything I can to protect that brand.  If hiring someone that has less of a chance of getting in trouble and hurting the image of my company than I will gladly do that and do it every time.  The article you posted fails to look the impact on branding.  Further, $65 billion is only 0.3% of total GDP.  If you told me I can further protect my brand for 0.3% of my revenue, I would gladly do it.  It's simply economics. Further, I feel no obligation to fix someones wrongs, especially sex offenders.