Southern Center for Human Rights files Federal class action suit to stop enforcement of sex offender bill in Georgia.
The Southern Center for Human Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia have filed a class action in Federal Court seeking an injunction to prevent enforcement of HB 1059, which is set to become law on July 1, 2006. The injunction sought is both a temporary and permanent injunction. If granted, it would stop all the local sheriff’s from forcing folks to move during the pendency of this litigation that is ultimately aimed and declaring the law unconstitutional.
The complaint can be viewed here.
The press release can be viewed here.
Check back for periodic updates as they become available.
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July 12th, 2006 at 4:29 am
After reading everything What I don’t understand is why these people in Government would not want everyone on the list to be in church instead of keeping them away they should make it mandantory that they go. I told my story before not knowing that it would be listed for everyone who reads this page to see but I don’t care who knows I’m tired of local newspapers listing the towns sex offender list and they are not specifying the actual reason for the charge. My Fiance is a good man and he made the mistake of being in the same yard with a girl who was his age with no sexual contact but now he is gonna be punished as will his family and kids for something that happened when he was a child himself.
August 21st, 2006 at 10:00 am
My son in law is one of the folks that has been grouped in with actual predators. I’m looking for ways to bring this situation to the light. There are too many normal people in Ga. being grouped into the same basket with actual predators.
August 26th, 2006 at 10:42 pm
prescription-diet-pills…
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November 3rd, 2006 at 12:11 pm
I have a son who is also in prison for being a sex offender. He will be released soon. He had a visit from the parole officer before he entered the prison system and he had to agree to not driving alone for 5 years as well as not being able to see his own children. There is no reason for either restriction. The parole officer said that he could add whatever restrictions he desired. I don’t think these 2 restrictions are in the law. I feel that the legislators would love to hang a flashing neon sign around all sex offender’s neck identifying them as such and advising everyone to stay 1,000 feet away. I guess they will try that next. The HB 1059 throws all of them in 1 category regardless of circumstances. My son was supposed to have been released this past July, but the parole board disregards the court sentence from the judge. Why not do away with the courts and judges and just let the parole board handle sentencing and judgement? There are a lot of things about this bill that makes me angry.
November 13th, 2006 at 8:42 pm
I’m in a tough spot with my fiance, and its all becuase of the new sex offenders law. We need real legal advice, from somone who actually cares, and not some state appointed attorney trying to make another dollar. Who can I contact?
November 22nd, 2006 at 4:16 pm
My parole officer is as frustrated with this hb1059 as I am. It seems Ga. lawmakers are out to deal with sex-offenders in the same way that the states’ “emotionally challenged” persons were dealt with back in the 1980’s when the states mental-health facilities were shut down due to “financial considerations”. We all know where those unfortunates ended up–in prison ! Is this the prevailing answer to all of Georgia’s social problems? Out of sight- out of mind? There has to be a better way.
December 30th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
I am a recently released sex offender who was convicted before the new law took effect. What amazes me is that the new law is a blatant slap in the face to both state and federal ex post facto laws stating that it is ILLEGAL to pass a law and make it retroactive back to a anyone convicted before the effective date IF the new law makes the punishment for that crime more stringent. Well, I don’t think anyone could argue against the fact that this new law definately increases the punishment! Anyone having to deal with the ridiculous restrictions placed on them by this legislative nonsense can tell you that it is paying double for your crime. People who have done nothing wrong for years are losing their homes and jobs, and in some cases their families over this nonsense. Sure children need to be protected, no reasonable person would argue that. But not all sex offenders are child molestors or rapists. Check out the registry and you’ll see that any number of things can make you a sex offender. Miine was computer related, no one was harmed at all. Still I have to comply with a ridiculous set of laws that group me together with a serial rapist. Should you lose your driving liscense for a speeding ticket along with someone with multiple DUI’s? The media is good at whipping up public opinion and sadly most people never get past the headlines. As has already been pointed out, most children are abused by family members or friends of the family, not the stranger that moves in down the street. So who does this law really protect? If lawmakers are so concerned about the welfare of children, as they claim, perhaps a law should be passed that protects kids from the group of people they are MOST likely to be abused by, namely family members or friends of family. Such a law would not be popular and not get many votes, so I doubt that we’ll ever see such a law proposed. At the end of the day it’s not what’s best for children or society that counts, it’s what will get me the most votes on election day. Well, election yeart is over now, and people are starting to see this law for what it is. It’s up for review next year. I URGE everyone reading this, whether you are an ex-offender, family of an ex-offender, or simply someone concerned about the erosion of people’s basic constitutional rights (knowing that if it can be sex offenders today, who can it be tomorrow?), to write or call your state representatives and let them know how you feel about this law. The people of Georgia are not stupid, and our lawmakers should know that we see through this for what it is: political grandstanding and not a solution.
January 30th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
ms tonotchi how long will this bus stop law be gone for i hope for ever 770 4596230 is there any law if a child moved next to me whats the latest we have talked before give me a call please
June 1st, 2007 at 3:53 am
Ladies and Gentlemen…restrictions are punishment …registration would therefore be punishment and unconstitutional…putting you in double jeopardy…cruel and unusual punishment…equal protection…discrimination. Forcing you to register to be discriminated against…government sponsored discrimination. The Constitution forbids these situations by government…all government officials and judicial MUST support/uphold the Constitution it’s an oath…for these officials going against the Constitution must be an issue to raise for violations and out of office. There are more issues and facts that will prove clear there are major civil right violations involved. Read my report.
June 1st, 2007 at 5:02 am
You need to know the facts are HOMERUN. Don’t lose hope for yourself, family or friend. This can be won. The Constitution protects and defends ALL AMERICANS. There are issues and situations of Constitutional protections that have not yet been dealt with. Send for my report. $ 55.– MOLINA 927 south Bruce-# 5 Anaheim, Ca. 92804