Trick-or-treat here in South Africa can’t hold a candle to what goes on in America, because people really, really get into the spirit of things over there.

The amount of ‘candy’ dished out is a dentist’s dream, and if you’re the type of person who enjoys handing out sweets to children, you’re in luck.

A group of registered sex offenders in Georgia were out of luck, though, when Butts County Sheriff Gary Long’s office placed the large white signs in the offenders’ yards.

Although the signs were actually erected last Halloween, it’s only now making the news thanks to the sex offenders bringing a lawsuit against the sheriff’s office.

Observe the sign:

More from NBC News:

According to the lawsuit, one deputy told an offender he could be arrested if he removed the sign before Halloween night.

The suit, which says it is on behalf of all of the registered sex offenders in the county southeast of Atlanta, contends that the placing of the signs violates laws against trespassing on private property and the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights against forced speech.

The sex offenders also claim in the suit that they were left humiliated and embarrassed by last year’s signs. They are asking a federal judge to declare the practice by the sheriff’s office “unlawful and invalid.”

The signs were actually placed on the lawns of more than 200 registered sex offenders, but only three are filing the lawsuit.

Sheriff Long has also been outspoken on social media, saying that his office is “protecting our children and following Georgia Law by placing these signs”.

He added that they intend to erect similar signs this year.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for the stress, fear, and humiliation that they say the signs caused, and the judge is due to deliver a ruling later today.

[source:nbcnews]