Youngstown begging ordinance won't be enforced, but misconduct will still be addressed

YOUNGSTOWN

The police department stopped enforcing the city’s begging ordinance today after the law director determined it was unconstitutional.

However, aggressive and/or harassing conduct by those asking for money still could result in charges such as disorderly conduct, Law Director Martin Hume said.

“Speech is protected [by the First Amendment] and conduct is not,” he said. “Even without the begging ordinance, the statute can cover the same behavior. If council wants to address aggressive panhandling, they can.”

Hume instructed the police department Friday – the same day The Vindicator published an article about the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio filing a complaint with the city about the anti-begging ordinance – to stop charging people with violating it.

The ACLU called for city council to repeal the ordinance it approved Oct. 7, 2009.

Read more about the matter in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.