Homeless Advocates to Protest Cranston Panhandling Ordinance
Monday, March 27, 2017
Homeless Advocates will protest Cranston’s ordinance that bans panhandling by showing a public display of panhandling at the corner of Sockanosset Cross Rd. and New London Avenue.
The protest will take place on Monday, March 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 pm.
Panhandling Ordinance
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe City of Cranston passed an ordinance on February 15 making it illegal to panhandle in the City of Cranston.
“This ordinance is simply a tool designed to prevent dangerous driving conditions in numerous busy roadways and intersections that are exacerbated by the presence of pedestrians that are engaging in acts that promote distracted driving. This ordinance is in no way designed to restrict speech, target any specific form of solicitation, or any specific person or group of people.
That means it addresses panhandlers, firefighters raising money for the ‘Fill the Boot’ campaign, student athletes collecting for uniforms, worshippers in support of their religious organizations, etc. Under this ordinance, this activity can still be done, but in safe areas and most importantly away from moving vehicles,” said Cranston Mayor Allen Fung at the time.
Advocates are contending that the move is unconstitutional and an assault on the 1st amendment rights of Rhode Islanders and in direct opposition to the state’s Homeless Bill of Rights.
The effort to control panhandling and other activities relating to passing things in and out of cars along roadsides passed in Cranston Wednesday night by a 5 to 4 margin along party lines.
Cranston Mayor Allan Fung originally proposed a “road safety ordinance” in October, modeled after a proposal put forth by former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino that was upheld by the courts in another state, but in the midst of a re-election campaign Democrats on the Council defeated the effort.
“I'm glad the majority members of the City Council had Public safety in mind and passed this ordinance tonight. I look forward to signing it to protect all individuals in our busy intersections and prevent an accident from happening,” Fung told GoLocal on Wednesday night.
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