Sex Offender Registration Law Does Not Infringe Free Exercise Rights

In Doe v. Virginia Department of State Police, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68939 (ED VA, June 27, 2011), a Virginia federal district court rejected a free exercise claim brought by a woman who was required by state law to register as a sex offender.  Under the law, a registered sex offender needs to obtain special permission in order to enter premises that house young children-- including churches with adjoining daycares.  The court concluded, however, that this is not a free exercise violation since the registration law is neutral and generally applicable and these collateral effects on church attendance were not the purpose of the registration law.