GA: Sheriff defends Halloween sex-offender-warning signs

[bpnews.net – 10/24/19]

orgia sheriff was in federal district court Thursday (Oct. 24) defending his decision to post signs in front of sex offenders’ homes warning trick-or-treaters not to approach.

Three sex offenders have filed suit against Butts County, Ga., sheriff Gary Long because he posted signs in front of 200 registered sex offenders’ homes in 2018 warning trick-or-treaters not to approach the properties. The plaintiffs are trying to prevent Long from posting the signs again in 2019 and beyond.

“Stop. Warning. No Trick-Or-Treat At This Address!!” the signs read, with the qualifier, “A community safety message from Butts County Sheriff Gary Long.” Long specified his reasoning with a public notice on the sheriff’s office Facebook page informing readers of the lawsuit.

Long and others, in their answer to the complaint, claim they legally posted the signs.

“Plaintiffs’ relevant First Amendment rights in this context are diminished by the pervasive government regulation applicable to sexual offenders, and any burden on any plaintiff’s alleged First Amendment right(s) was … outweighed,” the court document reads, “by the compelling government interest in protecting vulnerable members of the public from sexual offenders…. (The state has a strong interest in preventing future sexual offenses and alerting local law enforcement and citizens to the whereabouts of those that could reoffend).”

Long also pledged on Facebook to protect children from sex offenders.

“Regardless of the Judge’s ruling this Thursday, I WILL do everything within the letter of the Law to protect the children of this Community,” said Long, who has held his post since 2013.

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“The compelled speech doctrine sets out the principle that the government cannot force an individual or group to support certain expression. Thus, the First Amendment not only limits the government from punishing a person for his speech, it also prevents the government from punishing a person for refusing to articulate, advocate, or adhere to the government’s approved messages.”

https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/933/compelled-speech

Again this Sheriff continues to LIE about following the letter of the LAW and violates our Constitution by picking on a minority group of people that he thinks he can step on and make a name for himself.

Disgusting.

I’m glad citizens are fighting back and showing these out of control individuals with little bits of power that they can’t do whatever they want by circumventing the law.

Sheriff Gary Long’s statement suggests that he will defy a judge’s decision. This statement may or may not be anything more than grand standing. Or it could be a lot more serious. Like all elected officials, Sheriff Long took an oath to defend and protect the Constitution. If the Sheriff defies the judge’s decision, he will be breaking his oath of office. And if he breaks that oath, he should be removed from the office he now serves –Sheriff.

This sheriff is not placing those signs to promote safety and protect the “vulnerable,” he’s doing it to draw attention to the registry and to promote it! He wants people to see those signs, get curious and visit the online hit list so Boss Hog can gain a false sense of relevance and the sheep gain a false sense of empowerment and pseudo safety.

Make no mistake. These signs are not for “advisory” purposes! They’re basically veiled re-election signs at the expense of throwing everyone at the home they’re placed under the bus.

Disturbing article! I don’t recall ever hearing about any past offender committing a crime during Halloween? Yet, these city officials create hysteria by posting signs and for the laymen, this creates hysteria, anger, hatred and the belief if signs are being posted, the offenders post a threat? In summary, it’s truly sad that society doesn’t do things differently and look for ways to assist those in need!

The Butts County Sheriff Facebook page is here:
https://www.facebook.com/ButtsCountySheriff/

The most recent post regarding the signs is here (updated 10/24). There are currently over 800 comments:
https://www.facebook.com/ButtsCountySheriff/posts/2467265239994334

“Our office is being inundated with phone calls about the status of the hearing that took place this morning. Per the Staff and Sheriff’s Attorney, we have been advised to make no statements until the Judge has made a ruling. The Judge has made no ruling at this time.”

Coming from the state that has had the second highest recorded lynchings in US history, Georgia has a history of oppressing and going after minorities.

It would be a great day for citizens and a crushing blow to hate & fear mongers when the lawsuit goes through and sets a precedence for other states in the future.

From the article:
****
“Plaintiffs’ relevant First Amendment rights in this context are diminished by the pervasive government regulation applicable to sexual offenders, and any burden on any plaintiff’s alleged First Amendment right(s) was … outweighed,” the court document reads, “by the compelling government interest in protecting vulnerable members of the public from sexual offenders…. (The state has a strong interest in preventing future sexual offenses and alerting local law enforcement and citizens to the whereabouts of those that could reoffend).”
****

“preventing future () offenses” classifies as deterrence. Deterrence is a form of punishment.

The Sheriff lost in court today! Please read related story on this website: Federal Judge Stops Halloween Signs in Georgia. This is a significant victory!!