Despite court rulings that soliciting money is protected as free speech, some cities and at least one state are considering new restrictions on panhandling in traffic medians, arguing it’s a safety hazard. Opponents, however, say that there’s no proof such restrictions protect pedestrians and that they infringe on free speech rights.
This isn’t about speech. This is about location. I can see why this would be considered a safety issue. Medians weren’t designed for people to stand in them. They’re designed to separate traffic and facilitate signage, light poles, etc.
I’m against the criminalization of homelessness, but this isn’t that.
This isn’t about speech. This is about location. I can see why this would be considered a safety issue. Medians weren’t designed for people to stand in them. They’re designed to separate traffic and facilitate signage, light poles, etc.
I’m against the criminalization of homelessness, but this isn’t that.