Panhandling Banned In Downtown Atlanta

Despite several protests, a measure to ban panhandling in downtown Atlanta is expected to be signed.

1 minute read

August 17, 2005, 6:00 AM PDT

By Brenda Meyer


"The council, after two months of debate and boisterous public meetings, voted 12-3 to ban spoken requests for money in the central part of the city."

"...Opponents contend the ban violates free speech rights, but Stacey Abrams, the city lawyer who drafted the ordinance, said it is legally defensible because it is limited to two specific parts of the city. She said her conclusion is based upon the successful defense of similar bans in other cities, such as Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which banned panhandling along a five-mile strip of beach."

Thanks to Brenda Meyer

Tuesday, August 16, 2005 in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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