Controversial signs on front lawn target registered person

More Alabama stupidity. Maybe I'm biased, but it seems the stupidity seems to be more concentrated in North Alabama. For once, WAFF 48 didn't put much on a negative slant on the story or name the victim of this vigilante scumbag. By the way, this clown is harassing the registrant, so he should be arrested for harassment. "Free speech" does not include harassing communications. Also, I'd like to point out that "Second Degree Rape" includes someone who had sex with a willing partner if she is between ages 12-15; I wouldn't be surprised if this was the case.

http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=14191986

Controversial signs on front lawn target sex offenders

Posted: Mar 04, 2011 10:04 PM EST Updated: Mar 04, 2011 11:08 PM EST 
 By: Margo Gray

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - How far does free speech really go? Signs out in front of a Huntsville mans home is creating quite the commotion.

The signs have the power to create a traffic jam, plenty of conversation and even stir up emotion. The homemade signs on Michael Gill's front lawn in the middle of Five Points are sending a message, aimed at a neighbor. "If I didn't do anything, no one would know that rapist is living on my block across the street."

A couple days ago, Gill received a notice in the mail from Huntsville Police. A registered sex offender who was convicted of 2nd degree rape of a 15 year-old moved in a few doors down, and by law, anyone within 1000 feet is required to know. "When I get that notice, what am I supposed to do," said Gill. So he installed 24 hour camera surveillance at his home. "I agree with the man, I don't think he should be here and there is a whole lot of kids in the neighborhood," said resident Jody Price.

Not all of Gill's neighbors agree with his tactics. Many who would not go on camera said Gill is creating more of a nuisance than anything else. Some of Gill's neighbors have even reported him to police and the city over this. He's violated the noise ordinance and was forced to reduce the size of his signs. "I have to stay within the city ordinances, but that is infringing on my speech," Gill said. His neighbor, though, also has the right to live there.

WAFF spoke the man. He was convicted back in 1999 and served a year for the crime. He said he served his time, doesn't bother anyone, wants to be left alone.