Supreme Court to hear case on criminalizing homelessness

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — In a case that could have far-reaching impact, the Supreme Court will hear arguments Monday on whether the city of Grants Pass, Oregon can punish homeless people for camping in public spaces.

“One of the most influential cases on housing in over 40 years,” Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) said.

A lower court previously ruled in favor of the homeless population, calling it a “cruel and unusual punishment” to fine and arrest people who have nowhere else to go.

Oregon Democratic Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici spoke outside the high court this week, urging justices to rule against the city.

“Housing, not handcuffs, is the direction we need to go,” Rep. Bonamici said.

Bonamici says fining or jailing people traps them in a cycle that makes it harder for them to find housing.

In court documents, Grants Pass lawyers say homeless encampments have “multiplied unchecked” throughout the west, resulting in more violent crime, drug overdoses and disease.

California Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley says that’s certainly the case in Sacramento, near his district.

“In parks, on sidewalks, near schools, impeding citizens, stopping people from getting into businesses,” Rep. Kiley said.

Kiley says the court should restore the power to enforce laws like those in Grants Pass that he says promote public safety.

“Freeing our communities to deal with homelessness in a rational and common-sense way that protects public safety and public health. I think it’s going to be a new day for California,” Kiley said.

Justices will hear arguments Monday morning with a decision expected later this year.

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