The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled in favor of a small town in Oregon that banned homeless people from certain areas, concluding that the authorities acted lawfully and that their actions do not constitute abuse. This decision is significant in addressing the issue of homelessness in the country, where over 653,000 people are without shelter, with 250,000 of them living outdoors on a specific winter night.
The ruling originated from an ordinance imposed by Grants Pass, a town in southern Oregon with a population of 40,000, which prohibited homeless individuals from camping or sleeping on public property or in parks. Those who violate this rule face fines of 290 euros and could possibly spend up to 30 days in jail with a fine of 1,200 euros for repeat offenses.
The decision, supported by 6 votes to 3, was spearheaded by Justice Neil Gorsuch, a conservative who sided with the local authorities. Gorsuch argued that federal judges should defer to the American people’s ‘collective wisdom’ in addressing homelessness issues. Interestingly, this conservative verdict is advantageous for states like California, which have a Democratic majority and have been struggling with the presence of homeless people on the streets.
Governor Gavin Newsom of California has expressed his support for the Supreme Court’s ruling, despite his progressive Democrat stance. He had previously stated his desire for the case to reach the Supreme Court to address the homelessness crisis more effectively. This decision opens up new avenues for states to manage their homeless populations and implement measures to provide assistance and support to those in need.