OH - Sex offender Halloween ordinance passes in village

Original Article

Remember, this is probably only for those on probation or parole, since they cannot enforce this for those off supervision, but, if you have questions, talk to the local sheriff, we could be wrong.

10/19/2013

Orwell's village council members passed an ordinance this week that will prohibit registered sex offenders from celebrating Halloween.

Village Manager Jack Nettis said council’s decision was unanimous. The ordinance will go into effect immediately, just in time for this year’s holiday.
- Even though a child has never been harmed sexually on the holiday, except maybe due to running into the street or a drunk driver.  It's the usual yearly scare-mongering!

Nettis said council took its time passing the ordinance to consider any possible ramifications. The measure was tabled last month as council members had some questions that could not be immediately answered.

Nettis said it also gave the public an opportunity to voice any opinions or concerns; however, the village did not receive any public feedback.

“No one made any comments,” he said.

The purpose of the legislation, as stated in the ordinance, is to “protect children from the dangers posed by sex offenders convicted of offenses against minors.”
- It's a non-existent problem!  Just political fodder for politicians to exploit to make themselves look "tough!"

The ordinance requires any sex offenders to abide by certain restrictions between the hours of midnight and 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31 and/or any other night that might be designated as Halloween by the village.

Sex offenders are required to leave all exterior residential, decorative and ornamental lighting off during the evening hours, beginning at 4 p.m. until midnight; refrain from decorating his or her front yard and exterior of the residence with Halloween decorations; and refrain from answering the door to children who are trick-or-treating, according to the ordinance.

If the ordinance is violated, the person will be charged with a misdemeanor, according to the ordinance.

The ordinance was a suggestion by Village Police Chief Chad Fernandez, Nettis said.