Pubdate: Fri, 11 Oct 2002
Source: Courier, The (LA)
Copyright: 2002 Houma Today
Contact:  http://www.houmatoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1477
Author: ELIZABETH STUART

SCHRIEVER CHURCH WANTS TO BE A DRUG-FREE ZONE

HOUMA -- Members of a Schriever Baptist church will have to wait for an 
attorney general's opinion to see if they can establish a Drug-Free Zone 
around their house of worship.

Terrebonne Parish Council members voted Wednesday to ask for the opinion 
and to refer the matter regarding the Morning Star Baptist Church to the 
council's Community, Development and Planning Committee.

Councilman Wayne Thibodeaux voted against the measure. Having placed the 
item on the agenda, he pushed for immediate action rather than having to 
wait for an opinion.

"The church is a leader in this community," he said. "We ought to be 
standing in line first to help them."

Deacons from the church's board asked the council to approve the resolution.

A Drug-Free Zone would establish tougher penalties for anyone convicted of 
drug offenses within 1,000 feet of the church, at 108 Livas Lane in Schriever.

"Actions include illicit activities involving the illegal use and sale of 
drugs which have and is negatively impacting the quality of life for the 
senior citizens and youths in the community," the church's statement says.

Parish Attorney Carolyn McNabb told the council state law states that only 
schools, public housing, drug-rehabilitation facilities and recreation 
facilities may have Drug-Free Zones created by local officials.

Thibodeaux claimed his research includes religious buildings in that list. 
McNabb disagreed. The two will now have to wait for an attorney general's 
opinion to settle the argument.

McNabb noted that the church has the ability to post signs and establish 
its grounds as a Drug-Free Zone on its own, with the zone extending 1,000 
feet around it.

"Extraordinary criminal penalties would apply," she told the council and an 
unconvinced Thibodeaux.

Council members Harold Lapeyre and Christa Duplantis were also confused by 
the parish's apparent inability to declare the zone.

"It stands to reason that if you can develop a Drug-Free Zone around a 
school, you can do it around a church," Lapeyre reasoned.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart