ACLU’s Lawsuit Against City Was Heard Yesterday

Yesterday, a federal appeals panel heard arguments from a lawyer for the ACLU of Southern California stating that city of Los Angeles ordinances against sleeping, lying, or sitting on public sidewalks is illegal if there are not enough shelter beds. Here's the article.

This lawsuit was filed back in February 2003. It is amazing how long it takes to process a lawsuit, especially when it affects the lives of people sleeping on the streets.

The three-judge panel will issue a decision in the near future.

Many are upset that the ACLU is suing the city—basically allowing homelessness to persist on the streets. However, the ACLU perspective is that there are not enough shelters for the homeless. That the city has an obligation to house its homeless. The reality is that without enough shelter beds, people will continue to sleep on the streets—whether the ACLU sues the city or not.

The timing of this panel hearing is also interesting… ACLU Executive Director goes before the Los Angeles City Council next Wednesday. They will be voting on her appointment to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority commission. I’m sure this lawsuit will be discussed there.