SCOTUS allows ban on sleeping on public property

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The Supreme Court Friday ruled that cities can enforce bans on homeless people living in public places.

In a 6-3 decision, justices say the city of Grants Pass, Oregon can punish homeless people for sleeping on public property, even if there isn’t shelter space available.

“I’m disappointed,” Oregon Democrat Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said.

Bonamici says fining and jailing homeless people won’t help them find housing.

“What we really need to focus on is solutions, and this is going to make it harder for people, when they have a fine or a penalty,” Bonamici said.

The court’s decision reverses a lower court ruling that stopped the city from enforcing its public camping ordinances, calling it cruel and unusual punishment.

Writing for the majority, Justice Neil Gorsuch said fines and jail time are not “cruel” or “unusual” because they are not designed to increase “terror, pain, or disgrace”, and are commonly used punishments across the country.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor disagreed, writing: “Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime. For some people, sleeping outside is their only option.”

“It’s a new day for California,” California Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley said.

Kiley praised the ruling. He says he’s seen the impacts of homelessness in his own state.

“You have families that have to dodge homeless encampments walking their kids to school,” Kiley said.

Kiley hopes this decision gives cities the tools to turn that around.

“To protect public health, to guard against crime and maybe most importantly, to get homeless individuals the help they need,” Kiley said.

However, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized the ruling, writing it “must not be used as an excuse for cities across the country to attempt to arrest their way out of this problem.”

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