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Ga. sex offenders challenge church volunteer ban
Staff and agencies
By GREG BLUESTEIN, Associated Press Writer 26 minutes ago
ATLANTA - Five sex offenders filed a lawsuit Tuesday claiming that a tough new Georgia law that bans them from volunteering at churches also robs them of their right to participate in religious worship.
"Even helping a pastor with Bible study or preparing a meal in a church kitchen will subject (sex offenders) to prosecution and imprisonment," the complaint said.
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 changes were adopted with little debate in April at the urging of Republican lawmakers who said it will help protect Georgia‘s children and prevent the state from becoming a "safe haven" for sex offenders.
"I think the people of Georgia understand we‘re trying to protect the children of Georgia," said Ralston, R-Blue Ridge.
The latest challenge, which was filed by the Atlanta-based Southern Center for Human Rights, claims that the measure deprives Georgia‘s sex offenders of the "rehabilitative influence" of religious activity.
The group‘s lawsuit centers on five sex offenders who fear the new provision, which goes into effect July 1, will ban them from participating in many religious functions.
He got involved in a Christian ministry during his 14 year prison sentence and he became an active volunteer at several churches after his release last year. Now he‘s not sure whether the law will allow him to help prepare for revival meetings, serve on church committees or sing in the choir, which he feels is part of his calling.
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Southern Center for Human Rights: http://www.schr.org
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