‘Child safety zone’ ordinance advances

High-risk sex offenders will be banned from city-owned schools, parks and libraries — places were children are apt to play and study — under an ordinance unanimously endorsed by a City Council subcommittee Monday night.

The full council could ratify the measure as soon as July 15.

Following the alleged rape of 6-year-old boy at a public library in New Bedford last winter, city councilors have worked the past several months on a “child safety zone” ordinance they believe will pass constitutional muster.

The stated premise is the city “finds and declares that sex offenders are a serious threat to public safety” and that there “is a need to protect children where they congregate, learn or play in public places.”