A U.S. District Court judge ruled in the plaintiffs favor, stating the city could not arrest or cite homeless people for sleeping outside without first checking to see if they were any available beds at an emergency shelter. In response, City Council unanimously agreed to adopt the ordinance so that it is in line with the federal ruling.
Violating the right to free speech
As for the newest lawsuit: In a news release, the plaintiffs said the city and its police force are criminalizing the act of asking for help. Meanwhile, people who engage in similar conduct, such as asking for petition signatures, are not targeted.