A Mardi Gras tradition and Louisiana's sex offender laws may cost one Mardi Gras king his crown. The state's statute on sex offenders that prohibits a sex offender from wearing a mask could be a major problem for the King of Houma's Krewe of Mardi Gras.

Glynn Matherne has been a registered sex offender since 2003. One of the traditions of the krewe is the wearing of masks while riding in the krewe's mardi gras parade. This poses a significant problem.

Captain Dawn Foret of the Terrebone Parish Sheriff's office says there are other issues to consider.

"Specifically riding on a float wearing a mask and throwing beads to anyone under the age of 18,"

Foret's comments were reported in a story published by the Louisiana Radio Network. Captain  Foret said her office received a complaint that Matherne was a rider on a Mardi Gras float last year. During that parade Matherne was also wearing a  mask.

 "So based on his ride last year and to prevent him from riding this year he was arrested for violating the rules that sex offenders have to agree to,"
Captain Foret said that all sex offenders are apprised of what they can and can't do in regards to Mardi Gras and other holidays such as Halloween where masks are involved. Every year when convicted sex offenders are required to register and confirm their current address they are required to sign a document that indicates they are not allowed to pass out candy at Halloween, ride in Mardi Gras parades, or throw beads.
"So it is wildly known by any registered sex offender that these are things that they can not participate in,"
The annual Mardi Gras parade in Houma is set to roll along its traditional route in the eastern side of the city this Saturday night. It is not known at this time whether Matherne will remain in the position of king.

 

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