ACLU Unimpressed By Colorado City Anti-Begging Law
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) — The ACLU says Grand Junction's city council has taken a step in the right direction with changes to its anti-begging law, but could go further.
The Daily Sentinel reported Friday that the ACLU, which filed suit to stop the original ordinance when it was adopted in February, is concerned that the law still bans panhandling at night. The group also wants it made clear that the regulations do not affect people who are peacefully soliciting for funds.
Colorado ACLU legal director Mark Silverstein says had the city gone a bit further, the issue could have been resolved.
Changes made earlier this month removed a prohibition on panhandling near school grounds or from at-risk individuals, and reduced a no-begging zone around bus stops and automatic tellers from 100 to 20 feet.
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