Charleston is poised to ban sleeping in parking garages. Experts say it's another effort to criminal

[TexasTowelie]

Charleston is poised to ban sleeping in parking garages. Experts say it's another effort to criminalize homelessness


Charleston City Council is considering an ordinance that would ban sitting or lying in public parking garages, something that homelessness experts warn would disproportionally impact the city's homeless community.

The ordinance would prohibit people form using city-owned parking garages "for the purpose of housing or camping." It would prevent use of garage structures "in ways they were not intended to be used," specifically mentioning "sitting, standing, lying, kneeling, skating, or skateboarding."

The proposed law passed a first reading with no discussion on Tuesday and is poised to go up for second reading, third reading, and ratification on June 18.

It is the latest example of the city dealing with homelessness by narrowing the acceptable uses of public space. In April, Council approved an expansion of the city's "civil sidewalks" law, which makes it illegal to sit or lie on popular stretches of King and Market streets for 18 hours a day.

Read more: https://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/TheBattery/archives/2019/05/29/charleston-is-poised-to-ban-sleeping-in-public-garages-exposing-homeless-to-more-legal-risks

[democratisphere]

1. The homeless need shelter. This is an outrage. How can people be so heartless and cruei?