COLORADO SPRINGS | A proposed Colorado Springs ordinance that bars sleeping and camping in public spaces has outraged many residents who say the law discriminates against homeless people.
The Gazette reports (https://bit.ly/1JGT5Cn ) councilmen Keith King and Tom Strand, sponsors of the proposed “sit-lie” law, heard residents’ concerns at a public hearing with about 200 people Thursday.
Opponents of the ordinance said it is a form of discriminatory enforcement and an abuse of power. The executive director of ACLU Colorado said the ACLU “will strongly oppose the ordinance” because it violates people’s rights.
But those that supported the law included merchants who said it would help combat loitering, harassment and vandalism outside businesses.
Strand said a 30-day grace period would provide warning before anyone is cited.
One more public hearing will be held Thursday.