Federal judge: Orlando’s law against feeding homeless a civil rights violation

Willoughby Mariano | Sentinel Staff Writer

5:26 PM EDT, September 26, 2008

A federal judge has permanently barred Orlando from enforcing a rule barring large group feedings of the homeless in Lake Eola Park because it violates activists’ basic civil rights.

In a ruling released this afternoon, U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell criticized the city’s ordinance saying there was no “rational basis” for it.

“Rather than address the problem of homelessness in these downtown neighborhoods directly, the City has instead decided to limit the expressive activity which attracts the homeless to these neighborhoods,” the ruling states.

The case involves a motley group of activists who have been feeding the homeless in Lake Eola park: First Vagabonds Church of God, Orlando Food Not Bonds, and individual advocates for the homeless. They sued the city arguing that the ordinance violated their civil rights, including their right to free speech, exercise of religion and freedom of assembly. The city argued that it was protecting the its residents’ public health and safety interests.

Jackie Dowd, lead attorney for the plaintiffs, said she was “thrilled” by the ruling.

“To have a judge rule in our favor is a vindicating experience,” she said.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-orlando-homeless-feeding-civil-rights-092608,0,7674823.story

 

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