Judge sets arguments on ban on feeding the homeless on Parkway

[rug]

Posted: Wed, Jul. 11, 2012, 3:01 AM
By Joseph A. Slobodzian
Inquirer Staff Writer

After two days of testimony from witnesses ranging from homeless advocates to Mayor Nutter, a federal judge has set oral arguments for Thursday on the constitutionality of a new city ordinance that bans the public feeding of groups of homeless people in city parks.

"We're ready to go now," said civil rights lawyer Paul M. Messing, who represents four religious groups challenging the feeding ban, after testimony ended Tuesday afternoon.

U.S. District Judge William H. Yohn Jr. smiled and told Messing and lawyers for the city to return Thursday. "This may be a little more complex than it seemed before," he said.

The question is arguably one of the thorniest in constitutional law: drawing the line between a government's legitimate authority to regulate public health and gatherings and violating the First Amendment rights of religious organizations to serve society's most needy.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20120711_Judge_sets_arguments_on_ban_on_feeding_the_homeless_on_Parkway.html

[Jim__]

1. Nutter's right that feeding the homeless only addresses one of their needs.

But that's hardly an argument against feeding them and starving certainly doesn't add to their human dignity:

Nutter said providing free food does not address the needs of homeless people and undercuts their human dignity. "It fills one need," he said. "And that need returns in about three or four hours."

Nutter praised the groups' sincerity and work, but he insisted that helping homeless people get off the street requires a more coordinated effort, involving medical and mental health care and other social services.

In questioning Nutter, Messing referred to warnings in testimony Monday by Sister Mary Scullion, founder of Project HOME. Scullion outlined state budget cuts that take effect Aug. 1, including $160 million that will end general-assistance benefits for 60,000 single adults including 30,000 living in Philadelphia.

That will be followed by a $21 million cut to the city's funding for social and behavioral health programs, Scullion said.

I also agree that the homeless need medical and mental health care and other social services. How does not feeding them in the park change that situation?

[rug]

3. Yeah, this is unconscionable.

[cbayer]

2. Even the wording in the ordinance indicates that they look at homeless like animals.

They talk of public feedings and of the need to eat returning in 3-4 hours.

Apparently this has a lot to do with the ever controversial Barnes Museum.

[tech3149]

4. My response to the whole discussion is fuck em all!

I'll feed who I want when I want. My grandmother fed every hobo that looked like they could use a meal. Some helped out around the house, some just moved on. Either way they had a good meal in their belly. I've gotten a free meal or two in my day and I think my thanks for those meals is to feed those who are in need.
If someone wants to throw me in jail for giving to those in need, I say have at it. I'll wear it as a badge of honor.