ACLU Files Suit to Block Panhandling Ordinance

The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California filed a federal lawsuit Thursday in an effort to block enforcement of Los Angeles’ tough new panhandling law.

The civil rights group contends that the ordinance, which was adopted by the City Council on July 2 and signed into law by Mayor Richard Riordan two weeks later, violates free-speech rights guaranteed by the federal and state constitutions.

The ordinance bans begging at bus stops, public parking lots and buildings, on street medians and freeway offramps, and within 15 feet of any bank or automated teller machine. It also prohibits panhandlers from using profane language, touching people or approaching within three feet of them.

Riordan called the measure “a major step toward improving the quality of life” in Los Angeles, but Peter Eliasberg, an ACLU attorney, said Thursday that the ordinance discriminates against those who beg for money.

“It’s a mean-spirited law targeting the homeless,” Eliasberg said. “They’re being treated differently, based on the content of what they’re saying, and that is unconstitutional.”