By Dwayne Daughtry
In North Carolina, a troubling conflict between law and faith has emerged. Current sex offense laws are effectively barring individuals on the sex offender registry from attending church services—a stark contradiction to the spirit of religious freedom that the Constitution is meant to protect.
This issue stems from the vague wording of the “Sex Offender Unlawfully on Premises” statute, intended to protect minors. However, its overreach extends into churches, with severe and unintended consequences. In Alamance County, for example, Sheriff Terry Johnson has declared that sex offenders cannot attend church services if minors are present, equating spiritual pursuit with criminal behavior.
This isn’t just hypothetical. Christopher B. from western North Carolina was prohibited from attending his wedding because it occurred in a church where the law barred his presence. Jeff M. from central North Carolina experienced a similar heartbreak when deputies prevented him from attending his father’s funeral, held in a church. To make matters worse, Jeff cannot visit his father’s grave because it is on church property, which would also be considered a premises violation and a felony offense. These stories highlight the cruelty and overreach of these laws, which disregard the fundamental human need for connection and spiritual healing.
Excluding individuals from supportive environments like churches increases the risk of recidivism, contradicting the law’s intent to protect public safety. Empirical evidence shows that access to community networks, including religious participation, plays a crucial role in reducing reoffending rates. By cutting off access to these networks, the law may inadvertently increase the very risks it seeks to mitigate.
Moreover, these restrictions place a heavy burden on churches, which may face costly legal battles if accused of violating these statutes. This diverts valuable resources from the church’s mission and undermines its role as a sanctuary of peace and healing.
North Carolina’s Constitution is clear: “All persons have a natural and inalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and no human authority shall control or interfere with the rights of conscience.” Yet, government overreach is creeping into our places of worship, sidelining the wisdom and values of clergy best suited to make these decisions. It begs to question if separation of church and state is effectively dead?
Lawmakers must revisit this statute and acknowledge its broader implications. Religious freedom is not a government-issued privilege—it’s an inalienable right. Denying someone the right to worship because of their past is a denial of the core tenets of forgiveness and grace. We must uphold the centuries-old rights of every person to worship according to their conscience.
Dwayne Daughtry serves as the executive director of NCRSOL
This article is a troubling enough and is a conflict for many and it is also a betrayal of government justice. The registry is demonic enough. While many can call themself Christian even in government, so is government usurping their authority in many blind ways? Are they laying heavy burdens on others as the Scribes and Pharisees did in new testament. So who’s the the hypocrites today?
Before we had government we had Christian government or Christian rule. Even the barbaric Roman Rule was bad enough or should all sex offenders be fed to Lions. Oh the false wages of Government and now people being denied to go to church by some violations. Being set up is bad enough for many. Is not God our Chaperone and his word says he leads us not into temptation. I believe many can see the false precepts of this backsliding government in this sex registry ruse that can cover up their wrongs. And yes we can comment about the sword of justice.
Here in Florida, even when I was on house arrest, I was allowed to attend church, as long as I went with a responsible adult to verify, I really went there.
If what they are saying is true, some lawyer who believes in the freedom to worship should sue the HOLY SPIRT out of those trying to block anyone from worshiping. I am a Christian, but I respect all beliefs, faiths and religions, and even those who choose not to believe. God “Usually” doesn’t force Himself on anyone, but there have times He did for a good reason.
Anyone know whether this is true?
Does NC law really bar former sex offenders from houses of worship?
Strikes me as a basic 1A violation.
Not even FL does that. In fact, some FL county exclusion zones carve out an exception for religious service attendance. At least they know something about the Constitution.
In FL, the worst a former offender has to worry about is the congregation’s discomfort with the person’s past. Some churches will simply have a problem, as has been recounted many times on this board. But for the state to codify it in statute? Cmon. Not even in Florida.
Every time I start thinking that FL is the worst state for registered families, I read something like this coming from NC.
You’re right, I’ve read what other states do and it makes me think if florida is really the worst state or not.
I see nothing in my paperwork. This strikes me as a department policy move more than letter of the law. I’ve been in North Carolina for three years after having left Florida. I get a letter from the Superintendent of schools in the county where I reside telling me I am banned from school district property and events. I was prohibited from attending my son’s high school graduation.
Next, we will be banned from grocery stores. Don’t believe me? Well, let’s do a test. The attending church is a MAJOR constitutional issue if someone sued.
On the other hand, I suppose they could ban us from grocery stores by stating we have the option to order food. Well, what would keep us from kidnapping the person delivering the food.
Come on man, this is becoming more of a hate and control move.
Well we àll knew that all the crazy add on we’re coming, they know it will be years before it géts in front of a court. By that time they were able to lock up many for breaking that rule. The funny thing is that they keep adding to the registration with nothing showing , literally nothing showing that offenders were causing it. That they can not still show that the registration has reduced sex offenses in any category. They know this, but it s great for politicians getting relected and great for sheriff and políce depts on that extra money every year that spent on other Dept s that have nothing to do with registration.
Vague wording of the “Sex Offender Unlawfully on Premises” statute: “On the premises of any place intended primarily for the use, care, or supervision of minors, including, but not limited to….”
https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_14/GS_14-208.18.pdf
It is not unusual for legislative bodies to purposely leave statute language vague, thereby delegating rule-making authority to administrative bodies issuing rules implementing the law, to agencies responsible for enforcing the law and to courts adjudicating disputes arising from it. The legislative bodies need to say what they mean and not delegate to other branches of government.
Jacob, It is reasonable to ask if the State of North Carolina practices the prohibition of attending a house of worship by individuals forced to register. One of the first clues Dwayne Daughtry brings is antidotal circumstances, which is part of the title “Opinion.” I believe Daughty’s report is accurate. Unfortunately, the Florida Action Committee practices association bias by posting the submission without a source. There is no official source, but thanks to Education, who gave a link on September 30, it makes it possible to read the statute. No language in the law states a church, house of worship, temple, or any other religious building as being off limits to people forced to register. The law does mention knowingly being present in a place PRIMARILY used by minors. To my knowledge, no church is designed for primary use by minors. Law enforcement agencies tend to make street laws, which is troublesome. The article does describe a sad state of affairs
As a resident of North Carolina, that’s a damn shame. I have attended church with my wife on occasion. Makes me wonder if I have inadvertently violated a law enforcement policy.
I would gladly go to jail over this. Heck they even have church services in Prison. We had many good people from the outside come in and share their love, and love of God with us.
You are going there to worship GOD. There is NO higher law. PERIOD
If you unintentionally “violated” something on paper who cares?
Men are insects compared to GOD. Tell them where they can go. 🖕🏻