'Anti-homeless' laws have risen rapidly in U.S. cities. Finally, Washington responded.
On Aug. 13, 2015, the DOJ issued a statement of interest regarding Janet F. Bell v. City of Boise. And its ramifications may be felt far outside the Gem State (Idaho).
In its statement, the DOJ argues an ordinance in Boise that bans sleeping or camping in public places is unconstitutional because it violates the Eighth Amendment's protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
The DOJ claims a city can't fail to provide adequate shelter space for those in need while also outlawing sleeping in public:
"Sleeping is a life-sustaining activity — i.e., it must occur at some time in some place. If a person literally has nowhere else to go, then enforcement of the anti-camping ordinance against that person criminalizes her for being homeless."
And that, the Department of Justice argued, is unacceptable.
Author:
Tarney Sheldon
Resource Date:
October 20, 2015
Resource Type:
Topics:
URL:
http://www.upworthy.com/anti-homeless-laws-have-risen-rapidly-in-us-cities-finally-washington-responded?c=utw1&utm_content=buffer8648d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
