Mecklenburg County bans sex offenders from parks
CHARLOTTE (AP) — Mecklenburg County commissioners have voted to keep registered sex offenders out of parks and recreation centers.
Commissioner Bill James says the ordinance approved on an 8-1 vote Tuesday will give police a tool to keep families safe. Valerie Woodard was the only member voting no, saying she's worried about civil rights violations.
The American Civil Liberties Union and other critics say the laws create a false sense of security because many offenses in parks are committed by people who aren't on the list.
The Charlotte Observer reported today that Morganton approved a similar ban in January, while Hickory will vote later this month. Wilmington is also considering the idea.
Sex offenders would only be allowed to go to parks in Mecklenburg County to vote or attend public meetings.
