Pubdate: Sun, 03 Nov 2002
Source: Courier, The (LA)
Copyright: 2002 Houma Today
Contact:  http://www.houmatoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1477
Author: Elizabeth Stuart, The Courier
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?217 (Drug-Free Zones)

COUNCIL SET TO DECIDE DRUG-FREE ZONE ISSUE

HOUMA -- Terrebonne Parish Council members may take action Monday on a 
proposal to create Drug-Free Zones near religious buildings.

Member Wayne Thibodeaux has been championing the cause since he asked the 
council to create one such zone near Morning Star Baptist Church in 
Schriever in early October.

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

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.

Parish attorneys told the council that state law does not include churches 
in the list of areas local officials can establish as Drug-Free Zones. 
Thibodeaux disagreed with that opinion and with the council's vote to ask 
for a state attorney general's opinion on the matter.

The church does have the ability to post signs and establish its grounds as 
a Drug-Free Zone on its own. The deacons' letter says activity near the 
church includes illegal use and sale of drugs and is "negatively impacting 
the quality of life for the senior citizens and youths in the community."

[REMAINDER OF ARTICLE DEALING WITH NON-DRUG POLICY RELATED MATTERS SNIPPED]
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