The rights handed down to Americans in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution apply to all in our country, not just those who own homes.

Why then, are the rights to personal freedom and dignity being legislated away by laws that target homeless people?

In 2021 the mayor of Los Angeles signed an ordinance making it unlawful for people to "sit, lie, sleep" or otherwise situate their belongings in the "public right of way¹."

The measure criminalizes being homeless in nearly every part of the city².

"These laws violate civil rights and perpetuate homelessness," said Heather Maria Johnson of the Southern California ACLU³. "They create criminal records and that makes it even harder for (homeless) to get housing, employment and benefits."

Criminalizing homelessness is ineffective, costs more money than solving the problem, and in many cases make it harder to rise out of homelessness. People experiencing homelessness are not on the street by choice but because they lack choices, criminal and civil punishment serves no constructive purpose⁴.

The criminal justice system is not the solution to social problems.

People living without housing in the United States need added protections from violence and crime not less⁵. They deserve dignity and equal access to public resources.

The Homeless Bill of Rights is a step in the right direction6, and would ensure:

• Protections against segregation, laws targeting homeless people for their lack of housing and not their behavior, and restrictions on the use of public space.
• Privacy and property protections.
• The right to vote and feel safe in their community without fear or harassment.
• Access to shelter, social services, legal counsel and quality education for the children of homeless families.

Baltimore, MD, Duluth, MN, Madison, WI, Traverse City, MI, the states of Connecticut, Illinois, and Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico have passed homeless rights legislation. Hawaii passed a Bill of Rights bill that will not be enacted until July 1, 2050.

Policymakers in Detroit, MI, Knoxville, TN, New Haven, CT, California, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. are also considering versions of homeless rights legislation.

The criminalization of homelessness must end immediately. Sign the petition and help us ensure that persons experiencing homelessness have access to affordable housing, education, health care, employment, income, and other opportunities and services that allow all to live with dignity.

More on this issue:

1. Taiyler Simone Mitchell, Business Insider (29 July 2021), "LA Mayor signs ordinance prohibiting 'sitting, lying, or sleeping' near streets, bridges, schools, which critics say criminalizes homelessness."
2. DSA-LA Housing and Homelessness Committee (30 July 2021), ""Criminalizing the act of being homeless in most of LA" — Statement from DSA-LA on Revision of Municipal Code 41.18."
3. Eddie Rivera, LA Progressive (9 September 2015), "Does Criminalizing the Homeless Create Criminals?"
4. Eric S. Tars, National Homelessness Law Center (2021), "Criminalization of Homelessness."
5. National Coalition for the Homeless (2020), "Hate Crimes And Violence Prevention."
6. National Coalition for the Homeless (2020, "Homeless Bill of Rights."