New GA sex offender law - WALB.com, South Georgia News, Weather, Sports
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By Wainwright Jeffers - bio | email
June 25, 2008
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Georgia's new sex offender law could kick offenders out of church activities, and critics say that violates their freedom of religion.
This year the General Assembly reworked a tough sex offender law, after part of it was thrown out in court.
The law governs where all registered sex offenders can live and work.
One new portion also prohibits all offenders, not just those that may pose a danger to children, from doing any kind of volunteer work at any church.
"When you draft a statute that tries to have a one size fits all kind of thing, rather than having a judge craft conditions of probation on a case by case basis you end up with unintended consequences. Even when they're off probation they can't do the things you may want them to do to help the rehabilitation," said James N. Finkelstein, Attorney.
This week, five sex offenders filed a lawsuit.
They claim the law criminalizes fundamental religious activities for sex offenders, and bars them from doing something as harmless as singing in a church choir.
One of the largest employers in Southwest Georgia is now back open for business.
More >>One of the largest employers in Southwest Georgia is now back open for business.
More >>Hundreds of students in the Albany area took their next steps into further education or the workforce Thursday evening.
More >>Hundreds of students in the Albany area took their next steps into further education or the workforce Thursday evening.
More >>Dozens gathered at the Albany Civil Rights Institute on Thursday to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
More >>Dozens gathered at the Albany Civil Rights Institute on Thursday to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
More >>An elementary basketball coach in Terrell County was arrested by Edison police during a basketball game Thursday night.
More >>An elementary basketball coach in Terrell County was arrested by Edison police during a basketball game Thursday night.
More >>With a large number of domestic violence victims in Dougherty County, one organization is hosting a 'Day of Service' Saturday to collect donations.
More >>With a large number of domestic violence victims in Dougherty County, one organization is hosting a 'Day of Service' Saturday to collect donations.
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Albany, GA 31706 (229) 446-1010
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