Atlanta Lawmakers Approve Ban on Panhandling

[Modem Butterfly]

I have been to cities with some serious panhandlers. Atlanta's panhandlers are pikers compared to many.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050816/ap_on_re_us/atlanta_panhandling;_ylt=AgIWwxNSpa7CservSH6.nJKs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MjBwMWtkBHNlYwM3MTg-

ATLANTA - Protesters yelled "Shame!" and "Crybaby!" as city council members approved a ban on panhandling near tourist attractions, but the mayor is expected to sign the legislation.

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The ordinance, approved 12-3 Monday, makes it illegal to ask strangers for food or money near downtown museums and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. The measure was pushed by business owners who say the area is awash in aggressive beggars, but it got spirited opposition from civil rights groups and advocates for the poor.

The ordinance will become law when Mayor Shirley Franklin signs it. Franklin has said she supports the panhandling ban, but a time for her to sign the bill hasn't been set, said her spokeswoman, Catherine Woodling.

The vote capped a summer of debate over the proposal, pitched by a business group in advance of a large aquarium opening downtown in November. The council delayed the vote at least three times because of protests.

Some argued the panhandling ban was an illegal limit on speech. One council member who supported the ordinance, Felicia A. Moore, said before casting her vote: "I'm not sure if it's constitutional or not."

[Telly Savalas]

1. So if they're thinking about making panhandling in a public space

against the law, I assume they've already banned door-to-door salesmen and evangelists who accost people on private property.

[Modem Butterfly]

2. Only if Arthur Blank (Former Home Depot exec) wanted it that way

Atlanta seems inclined to perform acts that were formerly illegal in Georgia when it comes to Arthur Blank. And all just because he's bringing a big fish pond to downtown. Makes me wonder what they would do to get the Super Bowl again...

[dogday]

3. Since the beginning of civilization, our societies

have always had beggars, panhandlers, etc. I believe this to be unconstitutional. You cannot ask a person a question? Absolutely against the constitution.