Sex offenders banned from church challenge NC law

    PITTSBORO, N.C. (AP) - Hearings have been postponed in a case that pits the constitutional right to worship against a North Carolina law that tries to protect the public from child molesters.
    Lawyers for registered sex offenders James Nichols and Frankie Demaio are trying to strike down or change a state law that bars them from being within 300 feet of the nursery at their church. They say that blocks them from attending church and violates religious freedom rights.
    The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Friday that a Chatham County prosecutor said sheriff’s deputies charged the men on suspicion that the sex offenders were approaching young girls through their church contacts.
    Judge Allen Baddour considered pre-trial motions Thursday but postponed the case for two weeks.
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    Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com
   
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