«««FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—THURSDAY JUNE 29, 2006, 4:30pm«««

 
Judge Extends TRO to All People on
Sex Offender Registry Who Live Near School Bus Stops

Statement from the Southern Center for Human Rights

The Court's order extends the Temporary Restraining Order to anyone on the registry who lives within 1000 feet of the school bus stop.  This means that people like Wendy Whitaker, who is on the registry because she had consensual sex with a classmate when she was 17, can stay home this weekend without fear of being thrown in prison for 10 years.  It means that people on the registry who are in treatment can continue going to treatment; people are going to be able to maintain the stability that is so important to us all.

We're confident the Court is going find the law unconstitutional when he hears the evidence on July 11.  This is a solid, rational, well-reasoned step by the Court.  We are grateful that this Court has recognized it is in the interest of public safety not to kick people out of their homes while he makes that decision.

In the event that the State Appeals this Ruling:

Sheriffs and probation officers all over the state understand that if the bus stop provision goes into effect, there will be chaos.  The Court's decision today provides some much needed stability.  If the Governor chooses to appeal, it shows a lack of common sense and a reckless disregard for public safety.  

To read Judge Cooper's Ruling, click here.

Return to SCHR's Litigation Challenging HB1059: Georgia's Sex Offender Law