California Reform Sex Offender Laws, an advocacy group, has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a Halloween ordinance in Orange that requires sex offenders to post a sign on the front door of their residence notifying trick-or-treaters that no candy is available, according to the O.C. Register.
The signs, which are mandated by the city, read “no candy or treats at this residence,” and must be no smaller than 12 inches by 24 inches. The ordinance, passed in 2010, also bans sex offenders from putting out holiday decorations, leaving outdoor lights on, and answering the door for children on Oct. 31, according to KTLA.
The lawsuit alleges that the City of Orange violates 1st Amendment rights and puts registered sex offenders, as well as anyone living with them, at risk of physical and emotional harm.
A similar ordinance was partially struck down by a judge, although he let stand provisions of the ordinance that keep sex offenders from turning on outside lights, decorating their homes, and answering their doors to trick-or-treaters.
The sex offenders should just move to Santa Ana’s exclusive Floral Park neighborhood, where the lights appear to go out on Halloween as they celebrate the holiday about a week before. This is done allegedly to keep poor families out of their swanky neighborhood.
