WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The Supreme Court ruled Friday that cities can ban homeless people from living in public spaces.
In a 6-3 decision, the justices ruled that the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, can punish homeless people for sleeping on public property even if no emergency shelter is available there.
“I am disappointed,” said Democratic Representative Suzanne Bonamici from Oregon.
Bonamici says that punishing and imprisoning homeless people does not assist them find housing.
“We really need to focus on solutions because if people have to pay a fine or penalty, it will be even more difficult for them,” Bonamici said.
With its decision, the court overturned a lower court ruling that had prevented the city from enforcing its public camping ordinances because it constituted cruel and unusual punishment.
Writing for the majority, Justice Neil Gorsuch said fines and prison sentences were neither “cruel” nor “unusual” because they were not designed to inflict “terror, pain, or shame” and were common punishments across the country.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, writing, “Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime. For some people, sleeping outside is the only option.”
“It’s a new day for California,” said Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley.
Kiley praised the ruling, saying he had seen the impact of homelessness in his own state.
“There are families who have to avoid homeless camps while taking their children to school,” Kiley said.
Kiley hopes this decision will give cities the tools to change this situation.
“To protect public health, prevent crime and, perhaps most importantly, get homeless people the help they need,” Kiley said.
However, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized the ruling, saying it “should not be used as an excuse for cities across the country to try to arrest their way out of this problem.”
