Saturday, September 27, 2008
A federal judge on Friday struck down an Orlando ordinance that barred large group feedings for homeless at downtown area parks.
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell said the city ordinance violates the constitutional rights of activists who want to feed the homeless.
Activists who had been feeding the homeless in Lake Eola Park sued the city in 2006 over the ordinance passed that year.
Attorney Jacqueline Dowd, who represented plaintiffs including First Vagabonds Church of God and Orlando Food Not Bombs, said they were "thrilled" with the ruling.
"We are hopeful that this ruling will have an impact on cities across the country that are thinking of regulating people who want to help those less fortunate," Dowd said.
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell said the city ordinance violates the constitutional rights of activists who want to feed the homeless.
Activists who had been feeding the homeless in Lake Eola Park sued the city in 2006 over the ordinance passed that year.
Attorney Jacqueline Dowd, who represented plaintiffs including First Vagabonds Church of God and Orlando Food Not Bombs, said they were "thrilled" with the ruling.
"We are hopeful that this ruling will have an impact on cities across the country that are thinking of regulating people who want to help those less fortunate," Dowd said.
