ACLU urges city council to reject anti-loitering law

YOUNGSTOWN — The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio is advising Youngstown City Council to not adopt a proposed anti-loitering ordinance contending it gives too much discretion to police officers to target the homeless.

“This ordinance uses vague language to give law enforcement power to harass and arrest whomever they choose,” said Joe Mead, an attorney who works on behalf of the ACLU. “It is shocking how much innocent behavior would become illegal under this proposal.”

The ACLU sent a letter today to city council urging members to reject the proposal.

City council postponed a vote June 15 making it illegal to sit, lie down or loiter on downtown sidewalks, streets or within 50 feet of a business. Some expressed concerns that the proposal is too restrictive and that police officers need more training before the law is enacted.

After Police Chief Robin Lees said at a June 23 council committee meeting that officers would be properly trained, council members said they were prepared to approve the proposal when they next meet on July 13.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com