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ACLU of Ohio Lawsuit Claims Cleveland Panhandling Laws Violate Free Speech

Image: alexkich/Shutterstock.com
Image: alexkich/Shutterstock.com

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of two long established Cleveland laws that aim to curb panhandling in the city. The ACLU says when a panhandler asks for change, that's free speech. Restricting it violates the panhandler's free speech rights, they argue. But advocates of such laws say residents, workers and patrons have a right not to be hassled

Joe Mead, Volunteer Attorney with the ACLU of Ohio  
Brian Davis, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless  
Joseph Giuliano, President, Downtown Cleveland Residents Association