BATTLE CREEK (WKZO-AM) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has issued a statement repeating their warning to the Battle Creek City Commission about enacting a panhandling ordinance.
They say it contains restrictions on standing in certain locations near bathrooms and ATM’s that are similar to ordinances that have been struck down by the courts all over the U.S. and that they have “been clearly warned are unconstitutional.”
The panhandling ordinance proposal, coupled with another ordinance, would punish loiterers. Both contain such restrictions.
Battle Creek City Attorney Jill Steele has told commissioners that the ordinance that she has drafted addresses the concerns of the ACLU, but Miriam Ackerman with the constitutional rights organization disagrees with her analysis of the proposal.
The new ordinance is scheduled for a final vote on Sept. 6.
