New York Has Ban On 'Childless Adults' From Parks (Woman Ticketed)

[matcom]

:popcorn:

<snip>

The verdict is in and most New Yorkers - at least those who took the Daily News' informal poll yesterday - think the law banning adults without children from some city parks is "crazy."

"This whole idea is just absurd!" wrote one angry New Yorker in response to The News' story about a woman ticketed for sitting on a park bench in a Manhattan playground.

Cops cited Sandra Catena, a 47-year-old belly dancer, on Saturday as she sat in Rivington Playground on Forsyth St.

A sign at the entrance of the playground cites several prohibitions, including: "Adults Except in the Company of Children." Catena said she did not see it.

After confronting the woman for sitting in the playground alone, the two officers issued her a summons.

Catena now faces 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted. Her case goes to court in November.

E-mail responses to the story poured into The News. Most called the law "an outrage," "ridiculous" and "discriminating."

"We pay our taxes. We have the right to sit anywhere in the park we want to!" wrote one woman.

One incensed New Yorker called for a revolution of sorts.

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/350554p-298973c.html