WINDSOR LOCKS — Residents of Windsor Locks have repealed a local ordinance that banned registered sex offenders from local parks, schools, the town library and other public places amid a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law.
The Windsor Locks law was approved 11 years ago amid concerns about threats to children’s safety by people listed on the state’s sex-offender registry. A federal lawsuit by an anonymous resident and an advocacy group alleges the ordinance violates sex offenders’ constitutional rights.
The Journal Inquirer reports town residents voted 50-13 Tuesday to repeal the law, which called for a warning to be issued for a first violation and $99 fine for a second violation.
Town Attorney Carl Landolina says the lawsuit could potentially cost the town nearly $500,000.
