An organization that works to reform sex-offender laws in Florida is suing Seminole County and Sheriff Don Eslinger, alleging that a decade-old county ordinance is so restrictive that it prevents registered sex offenders from traveling to a grocery store, eating out at a restaurant or, in some cases, even leaving their homes.
According to Seminole’s ordinance, sexual offenders or predators in most cases are not allowed to “travel through or remain within” 1,000 feet of schools, parks, day care centers or playgrounds. Full Article
We are proud of the Florida Action Committee and its courageous actions in challenging local laws that do not increase but instead reduce public safety. Our hope is that the Florida judiciary acts wisely and overturns these laws which violate the U.S. Constitution.
This Seminole County ordinance is a perfect example of a how-the-Hell-is-one-to-know law! Seriously, I often wonder how legitimate such laws can be if there exists no mechanism to inform the general public of the law’s existence.?? Some laws are obvious – no bank robbing, murdering, or cattle-rustling. But it seems to me that there must be some legal merit to the argument that lack of public notification makes such laws null & void. Otherwise, lawmakers could secretly create any number of laws to be employed at their discretion against whomever they choose!
Well written article! This is another example of hateful legislators who simply want to demoralize people. I can’t imagine how anyone expects a person to rehabilitate themselves by forcing them to be homeless, preventing them employment and preventing them to visit a grocery store? This is sick! It’s hurtful and clearly would create anger and hatred amongst the local residence. It’s flat out sick. A gang member, drug dealer or murderer has more rights!
The laws and why they are made so punitive against registered citizens. Any law that is harmful and restrictive to registrants in ANY and all forms are somehow twisted into the logic of it being responsible actions placed for the protection of children. The “to protect the children” logic works and is very hard to argued against. We can take our state back…Janice and her hard charging team have made a lot of headway but we should all do our part and help her any and every way we can. Janice says it best, “Show up, Stand up and Speak up.” Together we can make a difference. We’re training RSO’s and their families on how to fight back during this 2016 election year. Come join the fight…oh, and learn a skill to make some income while doing so! It’s fun and meaningful.