Spokane’s Homeless Headache: ACLU Takes on the City
Well, folks, it seems the progressive paradise of Washington state is at it again. Just when you thought the Evergreen State couldn’t get any greener, the ACLU decided to plant a lawsuit right in Spokane’s backyard. But before you roll your eyes and reach for your “Save the Trees” bumper sticker, let’s dive into why this legal tussle matters to every red-blooded American who values clean streets and the rule of law.
The Legal Landscape
In a move that’s sure to ruffle some liberal feathers, the ACLU has filed a lawsuit against Spokane, Washington, challenging the city’s anti-camping laws. This comes hot on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gave cities the green light to enforce outdoor sleeping bans. The high court found that such bans don’t violate the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment, even when shelter space is scarce.
SUPREME COURT RULES AGAINST HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS 6-29-24 – YOUTUBE
But here’s where it gets interesting: Washington’s state constitution prohibits “cruel” punishment, offering more protection than its federal counterpart. The ACLU is banking on this difference to make their case stick.
BREAKING: The Supreme Court ruled today that cities can punish unhoused people for sleeping in public, even if they have nowhere else to go.
We cannot arrest our way out of homelessness.
— ACLU (@ACLU) June 28, 2024
The Spokane Situation
At the heart of this legal battle are Spokane’s ordinances on camping, sitting, or lying on public property. These laws can result in misdemeanor charges, punishable by fines or jail time. The ACLU argues that these ordinances effectively criminalize homelessness by creating “near-total islands of exclusion throughout the city.”
The lawsuit involves two plaintiffs who have been cited under these ordinances, as well as a homeless services nonprofit. It’s worth noting that Washington has the fourth largest homeless population in the U.S., with over 28,000 homeless residents as of 2023.
The Broader Impact
This case isn’t just about Spokane. It could set a precedent for other states with similar constitutional language, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island, Kentucky, and South Dakota. Moreover, it highlights the tension between maintaining public order and addressing the complex issue of homelessness.
While some cities and states have adopted stricter encampment policies following the Supreme Court decision, this lawsuit could potentially put the brakes on such efforts in Washington and beyond.
Sources:
2.https://dailycaller.com/2024/08/01/spokane-sued-by-aclu-homesless-ordinance-supreme-court-decision/
Videos:
https://youtu.be/hG7vKodR30g?si=LrgTMGp_3W_ntdUd
Tweets:
Blue City Hit With Lawsuit Over Homelessness Laws Following Landmark Supreme Court Decision https://t.co/7brnvozijo
— IJR (@TheIJR) August 1, 2024
BREAKING: The Supreme Court ruled today that cities can punish unhoused people for sleeping in public, even if they have nowhere else to go.
We cannot arrest our way out of homelessness.
— ACLU (@ACLU) June 28, 2024
The Supreme Court has taken up a case on homelessness that may have broad implications as record numbers of Americans lack permanent housing. I break it down on today's episode of The Excerpt.https://t.co/98spO9jwNO
— Maureen Groppe (@mgroppe) April 23, 2024