A High Court victory in Boise, Idaho gives hope to the Austin City Council.
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal of a case in Boise that ruled bans on camping in public spaces a violation of the 8th Amendment, or, in other words, it’s cruel and unusual punishment. That specific ruling by the lower court in support of homeless camping is one of the driving factors behind Austin’s decision that relaxed enforcement and led to a sharp rise in tents, sleeping bags, and campsites visible on city streets. The High Court ruling decision here in no way, however, impedes the State of Texas from taking action next session to impose a statewide public camping ban.
Advocates for the homeless are celebrating the US Supreme Court decision to let a ruling stand. Kevin Price of Austin based hearing the homeless called this, progress. “Because people that have nowhere else to go, obviously should not be criminalized for that because…whether or not its there fault, its a societal issue.”
Austin’s Mayor Steve Adler also released a statement following the high court’s move: “Today’s Supreme Court action in the Boise case supports the City’s focus on housing vulnerable people rather than criminalizing their activity. It’s hard work we’re doing to provide housing and services for those experiencing homelessness but it’s the right, and required, thing to do and we’ll get there.”
(Photo:Shutterstock/Zolnierek)
