States seek to clear tent encampments, homeless claim Constitutional violation.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal filed by the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, regarding a camping ban that lower courts have prohibited the city from enforcing. Jurisdictions have been prevented from removing homeless encampments despite city ordinances that do not allow camping in public areas.
Some cities have provided enough shelter beds to comply with regulations for encampment clearing only to have homeless people refuse to utilize them, as they prefer to stay in tents or other makeshift shelters. When the city of Grant’s Pass appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, that court also ruled that the ordinance against public camping violated the Constitution’s Eighth Amendment.
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated his support for the appeal, saying, “The Supreme Court can now correct course and end the costly delays from lawsuits that have plagued our efforts to clear encampments and deliver services to those in need.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the justices to receive God’s wisdom as they prepare to hear the review of the ordinances and regulations surrounding homeless encampments.
- For the city and state officials seeking to ensure public health and safety by clearing the encampments from the streets and sidewalks.
- For those who run ministries that care for people who are without a home or shelter, and for Americans who are currently at risk of becoming homeless.
Sources: AP, SCOTUSBlog
