Illinois proximity ordinance challenged

The State of Illinois is among the latest to see their “proximity ordinance” challenged. A lawsuit was filed on behalf of six registered citizens in federal court yesterday.

The lawsuit specifically challenges four statutes: One that prohibits a child sex offender from knowingly being present at any “facility providing programs or services exclusively directed toward persons under the age of 18”; one prohibiting offenders from participating “in a holiday event involving children” — such as distributing candy on Halloween or wearing a Santa Claus outfit at Christmas or an Easter Bunny costume at Easter; one that restricts a child sex offender or a sexual predator from being in public parks or park buildings; and one that prohibits them from “loitering within 500 feet of a school building or real property comprising any school” while children are present.

The suit argues that the statute is unconstitutionally vague and restrictive.

You can read the lawsuit here: https://floridaactioncommittee.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Illinois-sex-offender-lawsuit.pdf