County Will Appeal Ruling On Sex Offenders

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato this afternoon said the county will appeal a federal court ruling that struck down an ordinance banning sex offenders from living within 2,500 feet of a child care facility, recreational facility, community center, public park or school.

U.S. District Judge Gary L. Lancaster said the ordinance, which was introduced and unanimously approved by County Council in October 2007, undermined state law. The ordinance, which was initially sponsored by County Councilman Vince Gastgeb, R-Bethel Park, was challenged last year by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of six sex offenders.

Link: www.postgazette.com/pg/09083/957951-100.stm