Controversial signs on front lawn target sex offenders

3-5-2011 Alabama:

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. ..Source.. Margo Gray