Georgia Laws Leave Sex Offenders Few Options

Carrie Williams

Cobb County, GA-- Georgia is known for having one of the most strict sexual offender laws in the nation. According to Georgia law, the state’s 16,000 sex offenders are banned from living, working or loitering within 1,000 feet of schools, churches, child-care facilities and other areas where children gather. As a result, sex offenders find themselves with limited areas to reside which comply with the law; pushing them to seek shelter in alternative places, like the woods.

Last week, 9 sex offenders living in make-shift campsites on the property of the Georgia Department of Transportation were identified by Georgia Police officials who forced the individuals to pack-up camp and find somewhere else to go.

Parents of the Cobb County community feel the registered sex offender laws must be upheld in order to keep their children safe and maintain a sense of security. However, some empathize with the homeless sex offenders and believe they should have a chance to start a new life.