MAJORITY LEADER JERRY KEEN COMMENTS ON JUDGE’S RULING IN SEX OFFENDER COURT CASE

ATLANTA—Georgia House of Representatives Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons) today issued the following statement after Judge Clarence Cooper extended his temporary restraining order enjoining the enforcement of Georgia’s new law restricting registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of designated school bus stops to all 10,000 registered sex offenders.

“The legislature has done its job.  We passed tough restrictions that will protect our children from convicted sexual criminals,” Keen said.

“Today’s procedural ruling will allow this important issue of public safety to be decided efficiently in one court by one judge.  I am confident that the court’s final decision will vindicate the legislature’s efforts to protect our children as they go and come from school each day.

“The most important thing to remember is that the protection of our children should be our top priority.  Georgia’s new laws regarding sex offenders are among the toughest in the nation and reflect the desire of the people of Georgia to provide a safe, secure environment for our children.”

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