James Nichols, 31, is a convicted sex offender who can’t understand why he is isn’t allowed in church.

According to this story by the Associated Press, Nichols was arrested after attending a church in North

Convicted Sex Offender James Nichols praying at the cross. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Carolina that also contains a daycare center. North Carolina law states that sex offenders can not come within 300 feet of “any place intended primarily for the use, care or supervision of minors.”

(For an overview of Missouri sex offender legislation, you can check out the Missouri State Highway Patrol Sex Offender Registry Fact Sheet.)

Nichols is now challenging that law as it relates to churches, claiming that his ability to practice his faith is critical to his rehabilitation:

I believe wholeheartedly if it wasn’t for God, I don’t know where I’d be today.

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