EURweb |
LAW DEPRIVES SEX OFFENDERS OF WORSHP: Critics speak out on Georgia’s new ban on convicted sex criminals.
State attorneys argued the measure's goal is to keep Georgia's children safe from sex offenders who attempt to work at churches and other spots where children gather.
U.S. District Judge Clarence Cooper did not issue an immediate decision, but his ruling will help resolve a growing litany of lawsuits targeting the strict sex offender law.
The main portion of the measure bans sex offenders from living, working or loitering within 1,000 feet of just about anywhere children gather. That includes schools, parks, gyms, swimming pools and the state's 150,000 school bus stops.
The measure, which supporters say is among the nation's toughest, was passed in 2006 at the urging of Republican leaders who said it would help protect Georgia's children and prevent the state from becoming a "safe haven" for sex offenders.
The Southern Center for Human Rights and others have called the new law far too restrictive. They contend it renders vast residential areas off-limits and could force some offenders to elude the state's registry.
Legislators were forced to retool the law earlier this year after the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that the measure failed to protect the property rights of offenders.
Attorney Gerry Weber said some sex offenders have been told it’s illegal to sing in a church choir, set up religious events, lead a Bible study and even sing in an adult choir. One sex offender was prosecuted for playing piano at a church function, he said.
"These are acts required by their faiths," said Weber. "All of these folks need and want as a matter of their faith to participate in these activities. And they can't."
The state's attorneys contended the measure helps churches remain a "place of safety and refuge," and suggested that critics had little hard evidence that the new rules threatened any protected religious activities. (Source: Athens Banner-Herald on Friday)
---------------------
LISTEN TO THE NEW EURCAST
Featuring Sherri Shepherd, Sam
Jackson & Coolio. Hear It here:
www.eurweb.com/story/eur48557.cfm
---------------------
$500 - $1000/Per Day (CA$H)
(Just Returning Phone Calls)
**No Selling **Not MLM **No Boss
Full Training & Support 24/7
Learn From Successful Mentors Daily
For Audio Details Visit:
www.missionarycmoney.com
(888) 304-9888 (Be Financially Free)
Click for the latest Obama - Political headlines
Share and Bookmark |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
