Legislation to Make Homelessness a Civil Right in Washington State
Democratic state representative in Washington state is pushing legislation to make homelessness a civil right, protecting homeless people from discrimination based on housing status. The bill aims to grant the homeless the right to survive in a nonobstructive manner on public property when no reasonable alternative exists.
Key Points
- Bill grants homeless people the right to survive in a nonobstructive manner on public property
- Legislation aims to tackle underlying problems of homelessness
- Inspired by U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson
Pros
- Protects homeless people from discrimination based on housing status
- Aims to address unconstitutional laws impacting homelessness
- Seeks to provide rights to homeless individuals to survive in public spaces
Cons
- Could face opposition from local governments and officials
- May lead to challenges in enforcement and implementation
- Potential concerns over public safety and property usage