A controversial ordinance barring registered sex offenders listed on the Megan’s Law website from opening their doors to trick-or-treating children was rescinded by the Simi Valley City Council Monday night.
A child is seen having fun at a Halloween trick-or-treat. (Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus)
The council voted unanimously to repeal the ordinance, which Simi Valley City Attorney Lonnie Eldridge felt would be difficult to defend against lawsuits challenging its constitutionality, the Ventura County Star reported.
The law, which was enacted in 2012, had forbid sex offenders not only from handing out candy on Halloween, but also mandated that they turn off any outdoor lighting from 5 p.m. to midnight and forbid them from decorating outside their homes.
Initially, the law also required sex offenders to post a "No candy or treats at this residence" sign on their door, but the city agreed not to enforce the sign requirement following a 2013 lawsuit filed by attorney Janice Bellucci, the newspaper reported.
The most recent lawsuit, also brought by Bellucci, was filed on Sept. 18.
Bellucci said the lawsuit would be dismissed if the City Council agreed to repeal all the Halloween restrictions.
from KTLA http://ift.tt/2gqgTWK
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