A chance to balance interests of homeless, cities
By The Herald Editorial Board
Following a reversal eight months ago by the U.S. Supreme Court that overturned its own past rulings on issues related to “camping” by homeless individuals in public places, cities and counties across the nation — and in Washington state — have responded with ordinances that strengthen anti-camping bans and in some cases make being homeless a crime.
The court’s 6-3 majority in June determined that laws that imposed fines and criminal penalties did not qualify as “cruel and unusual punishment,” a reversal of past rulings by federal courts and the Supreme Court that such actions could not be taken if no other reasonable shelter — a place to sleep and keep personal belongings — were available.
Among the local governments adopting or modifying laws to discourage sitting, lying and sleeping in public places with the threat of fines and penalties are Aberdeen, Auburn, Bremerton, Kennewick, Richland, Spokane Valley and Chelan County.
Burien, notes a recent Seattle Times report, has banned anyone from sleeping outside in public areas, essentially making homelessness illegal unless the individual is awake.
Legislation proposed in the state House seeks to find a balance — and a statewide standard — for concerns for those experiencing homelessness and the needs of local government to protect the safety and fair use of public spaces for all.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-a-chance-to-balance-interests-of-homeless-cities/