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ACLU says Oregon city's camping ban unconstitutional

Thursday, October 23, 2008 8:35 AM PDT

By The Associated Press

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MEDFORD, Ore. — The American Civil Liberties Union argues that an Ashland measure banning camping in public places violates the constitutional rights of the homeless.

But on Tuesday, the town’s City Council gave preliminary approval to a measure that would retain the ban.

The council will vote again Nov. 4 on whether to make the measure final.

It would require the city to give campers 24 hours notice that their campsites are illegal.

Violators would be fined up to $500 or ordered to do 48 hours of community service. Their property would also be seized for 60 days.

The American Civil Liberties Union calls the ban “cruel and unusual” and wants the city to change the ban so it wouldn’t apply between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

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El Fuego wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:48 AM:

" Way to go Medford. Beat these people while they are down. Fine them $500.00? If they had $500.00 they would not have to resort to camping in a public place. What, take their possessions for 60 days! Sure, now the tax payer can pay to have their only treasures (more than likely junk) stored at a cost nobody wants to pay. How about a hand up instead of a kick in the face. 48 hours of community service WITH PAY might be a good start. "

dogshead wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:54 AM:

" There has never been a time when it's been more important to support the ACLU than now. More and more activities (peaceful acts of civil disobedience) are being labeled 'domestic terrorism', carrying huge sentences. With the current economic conditions there will undoubtedly be more homeless. Thank God they have a bit of representation from the ACLU. "

biasmedia wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:01 AM:

" once aging the ACLU shows there true color we are talking a bought the org that tried to ban Christmas and Santa "

SM wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:49 AM:

" Vagrancy laws have been struck down time and time again. This one should be too and it's good to see the ACLU sticking up for the meakest of our citizens. "

mom of four wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:53 AM:

" If they are homeless and they can walk to a corner get a marker and a piece of cardboard and stand out there for all hrs of the day and ask for money well take your behind to the community shelter get some free clothes and go get your behind a job at a fast food joint. They hire everyday. No excuses. "

Gondolapete wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:20 AM:

" The "homeless" get regarded as Gods here in the US..even though stats PROVE that most are that way due to circumstances they created... "

lucky1 wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:01 PM:

" Would you want people to be able to camp in the city circle. By allowing them to camp in public places you are saying that this would be ok. "

Atrucker wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:07 PM:

" Try being unemployable and see what help you get , all you know it alls . I can tell you , Next to nothing in this state . Dshs will not help if they deem that your still some how able to work , even if the state and your doctor has said other wise . Then you wait 2 years for your ssi to kick in , if it does . If not your screwed. That is how you become homeless. There is a thin line between homeless and vagrant . Medford has decided they are all the same . Trying to help might make more sense then kicking them while they are down , which is popular these days . "

SM wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:11 PM:

" Of all the harmless things in the world, I would have to say that camping is right at the top of that list. It blows my mind that some people can refuse to give their fellow man even the simplest privelages to help them through their lives... "

dogshead wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:37 AM:

" biasmedia- I'm sorry, you a mistaken about the ACLU trying to ban Christmas. The ACLU is trying to protect the consitutional seperation of church and state. When local, state or federal promote a certain religion, the judical needs to take a look. Should my Jewish (Hindu, Musilum) child be subjected to Christianity in public schools? The majority might elect a president but the constitution protects the minority's rights from being trampled by the majority. "

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