"I'm willing to revisit this," said Councilwoman Lori Miller after voting in favor of the proposal Tuesday. "But I think it's a good law and I want it on the books."

In a 3-to-1 vote, the council passed the ordinance that is aimed at only those sex offenders who have been convicted of a felony. Violators could face a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail.

Half of the nearly two-dozen residents who spoke at the meeting opposed the law, saying it gave people a false sense of security.

"A sex offender who's intent on hurting a child doesn't care about breaking that law and they aren't going to care about this one," said Clinton resident Marie Byington.

Some argued against the ban because the punishment affects more people than the would-be repeat sex offender who would be brazen enough to prowl around a city park.

"Who's going to protect my child if I'm not there?" asked Clinton resident Robert Belka, who described himself as a registered sex offender. "I know I go to prison if I go to a park and commit a crime. But how many other people and even your own events - like Clinton Days - does this effect if I can't take my kids and go?"

At one point, during the two-hour discussion, council members considered amending the ordinance to exempt registered sex offenders who informed police of their intentions to attend family or public functions in advance. Miller said she would agree to amend the ordinance at a later date. Councilman Paul Ray, who drafted the ordinance, said he was willing to consider making accommodations for those who wanted to attend family events. But, in the meantime, he said he would rather not allow someone the opportunity to snatch a child.

"The courts have determined that there is a need for these people to be on the registry for 10 years," he said. "I'm not willing to take the risk that all the sex offenders have been rehabilitated."

lorib@sltrib.com