Source: The Hill
by Alizeh Ahmad
“Over half of America is one unpayable bill from sleeping on the street. And before the end of June, the Supreme Court will decide whether you can be punished for doing so. On April 22, the court will hear oral argument in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson to decide whether three of the city’s anti-homelessness laws are cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. Collectively, the three laws ban sleeping on streets, sidewalks, alleys, park benches and numerous other public areas. They also ban the use of blankets, or even cardboard scrap, for warmth and protection from the elements. Because unhoused people in Grants Pass have nowhere to go when night falls, they involuntarily violate the ordinances by existing outdoors — that is, unless they stay awake and walk indefinitely.” (04/22/24)