Judge upholds ban on sex offenders near schools

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A Rhode Island Superior Court judge has upheld a state law that says sex offenders can't live within 300 feet of a school.

Judge Sarah Taft-Carter on Friday said a state law meant to keep registered sex offenders from living near schools is constitutional.

The American Civil Liberties Union sued earlier this year. It said the law was vague and overly broad and would be counterproductive because it could force some sex offenders into homelessness or otherwise make their lives less stable. The ACLU said it would appeal.

In a written statement, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin applauded the decision, saying parents send their children to school with the expectation they will be safe and not in close proximity to a sexual predator.