KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Homeless advocate sues Sacramento over camping law
Member Center:
Associated Press - February 9, 2010 11:44 AM ET
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - An advocate for the homeless is suing Sacramento over a city law he says has been used to target homeless encampments.
Attorney Mark Merin filed the suit Monday in Sacramento Superior Court on behalf of 23 homeless men and women. The homeless plaintiffs say their constitutional rights were violated when they were repeatedly pushed out of an illegal campground last summer under the city's anti-camping ordinance.
The suit, which also names the Sacramento Police Department as a defendant, calls on the court to stop the enforcement of the law, which prevents camping for more than 24 hours in undesignated areas.
Merin says the law is used only against the homeless, depriving them of their rights to equal protection, freedom of travel and due process.
City and police officials declined to comment on the suit.
Information from: The Sacramento Bee, http://www.sacbee.com
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
