No Trick or Treat: Calif. county bars sex offenders from handing out candy on Halloween
By APThursday, October 7, 2010
Calif. county restricts sex offenders on Halloween
VISALIA, Calif. — A California county has passed a law barring people convicted of sex crimes against children from decorating their homes and handing out candy to kids on Halloween.
The Porterville Recorder reports that the Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 Tuesday in favor of the new ordinance despite objections it could violate state law and the U.S. Constitution.
Supervisors say the law will keep children safe while trick or treating.
But Public Defender Michael Sheltzer says there is no evidence that children are more vulnerable to sex offenders on Halloween.
He says the new regulations are legally questionable under the state’s Jessica’s Law and also restrict the rights of sex offenders under the First Amendment.
Information from: The Porterville Recorder
