Sex offenders could be banned from parks

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - For over three years, the town of Plainfield and the American Civil Liberties Union have been fighting over an ordinance that bans sex offenders from public parks. But the state's highest court ended the battle Thursday night. The court’s decision not to overturn the ban means sex offenders could soon be banned from city parks across the state.

Plainfield parents believe the ban will help keep their parks fun and safe.

"It's great that they won't be here, hanging out, watching my kids," said parent Hannah Sumler.

Plainfield created the ordinance in 2002. Problems didn't arise until a sex offender was asked to leave the recreation center. That began the long legal battle between the town and the ACLU.

The ACLU called the ordinance unconstitutional, but the Indiana Supreme Court disagreed. Plainfield leaders say the decision paves the way for other cities and towns to implement a similar ordinance.

Lebanon is already on track to put something comparable on the books.

"The end result is a safer community and one that people can feel comfortable about," Plainfield Town Manager, Rich Carlucci said.

Sex offenders already can't live within three blocks of a school, daycare center or park. But the Plainfield ordinance is stricter because under it, the offender can't set foot in a public park regardless of where the offender lives.

Parent Paul Lyons said, "It's just one of those things that doesn't need to happen. They need to go away and go somewhere else."

The ACLU declined an interview with 24-Hour News 8. But the group has said it may now consider dropping a lawsuit against Greenwood over a similar ordinance.