An Orange, Calif., ordinance that required registered sex offenders to post a sign on their front door on Halloween has been repealed, less than a week after a federal lawsuit was filed claiming the practice was unconstitutional.
For the approximately 100 registered sex offenders in the city of Orange, it was a matter of their own personal safety, said Janice Bellucci, an attorney representing the plaintiff and head of California Reform Our Sex Offender Laws, an advocacy group that fights for the civil rights of registered sex offenders.
“It means they’re going to be safe so they don’t have to worry about vigilantes harming them or members of their family,” Bellucci told ABCNews.com. The ordinance, which was passed in 2010, required the city’s registered sex offenders to post a sign for 24 hours on Halloween, no smaller than 12 by 24 inches, that would read: “No candy or treats at this residence.” Full Article
Outstanding!!!
What’s even better is the fact ABCNEWS coverage and others are finally allowing some balance in reporting and
more publicity to Constitutional efforts from CARSOL /
Janice Bellucci / EFF / ACLU……….excellent.!!
Being a native California Lady, once living in Orange County, I’m always thinking of fellow offenders behind the “Orange Curtain”. My heart goes out to you. The laws are so cruel down there. I am so glad that you will be able to get through Halloween safely. God bless! Amazing! 🙂
Janice,
I want to personally thank you for helping me feel safer at Halloween. I have two children, live in Orange, and stress all year about this Halloween ordinance. When we talked earlier this year I was afraid to put my name behind the lawsuit do to the possible ramifications/ backlash from the local PD. I want to thank you for your kindness and understanding when we spoke and congratulate you on your win.
So what is the next step? Apparently it is constitutional to select a group of people and ban them (and consequently their children) from participating in a holiday? Personally, I want nothing to do with Halloween or with children coming to my door. But my children are grown. I would hate to think what they would have gone through at school if these laws were present in my town when they were kids. What did you do for Halloween? Oh we didn’t do it because my dad would have gotten arrested. This is too much for kids to suffer.
Rialto just sent out letters to all sex offenders that they can not have lights on or open the door all night of the 31th. They said if you do not shut all out door lighting you will e arrested and booked for a mistamer . This is for everyone under 290. Even if you are not on parole.