City's Police to Stop Enforcing Anti-Panhandling Law

It comes after the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island sent a letter to Mayor Jorge Elorza in January calling for the change

Police in Providence, Rhode Island, plan to stop enforcing an anti-panhandling ordinance that opponents say has led to the harassment of homeless people.

The Providence Journal reports
the change was announced Tuesday.

It comes after the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island sent a letter to Mayor Jorge Elorza in January calling for the change.

The ordinance prohibits certain forms of "aggressive solicitation" in public spaces including parking lots, highways and streets. The ACLU raised concerns over whether the ordinance was constitutional and impacted the rights of the poor and homeless.

The ACLU argued that the ordinance prevents the homeless population from earning a living.

Providence City Solicitor Jeffrey Dana had responded to ACLU's letter, saying that Elorza is "committed" to supporting and protecting its residents.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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