THE ACLU OF NEW MEXICO IS TAKING ALBUQUERQUE TO COURT OVER THE CITY’S PANHANDLING ORDINANCE THAT WENT INTO EFFECT DECEMBER 6TH. ACLU STAFF ATTORNEY MARIA SANCHEZ CALLS THE LAW A HEAVY-HANDED ATTEMPT BY THE CITY TO CRIMINALIZE HOMELESSNESS AND PUSH POOR PEOPLE OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF MIND.
THE ORDINANCE PROHIBITS PANHANDLING ON MEDIANS AND FREEWAY ENTRANCE AND EXIT RAMPS. THE SUIT SAYS THE LAW IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND VIOLATES THE FREE SPEECH RIGHTS OF THOSE ASKING FOR DONATIONS.
