IRVINE (AP) — A Southern California city will consider banning sex offenders from municipal parks and recreational facilities, part of a wave of proposals aimed at protecting children.

The Irvine City Council’s Tuesday night agenda allows members to consider an outright ban on registered sex offenders, a narrower ordinance focusing on those convicted of a crime against a minor, or give the issue further study and watch the effectiveness of similar regulations in enacted by Orange County and elsewhere.

The county ordinance approved in April makes it a misdemeanor for registered sex offenders to enter county recreational areas, including parks and beaches, where children regularly gather. An analysis notes that the city of Westminster last month adopted a similar ordinance, and such regulations are also being considered by five other Orange County cities.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)