You've Got to Fight, For Your Right, to Sleep

Sacramento Sued Over Handling of Homeless
The Sacramento Aggie 8/9/07

Sacramento lawyer Mark Merin filed a lawsuit against Sacramento and Sacramento County on Apr. 2 for its treatment of the homeless. Its approach to the homeless, Merin said, is illegal and unconstitutional.

In the lawsuit, Merin calls for Sacramento to stop "enforcing the City and County ordinances which prohibit homeless persons from sleeping outside in the City and County." Merin claims that Sacramento peace officers are imposing on civil rights of homeless people who have no other option but to sleep on the streets.

While it's upsetting that the homeless in Sacramento are receiving such harsh treatment in the first place it is encouraging that there is pressure to change this treatment and recognition that many of these people really have nowhere else to go. It's like arresting someone because they can't afford to eat. Our bodies need us to sleep, there is no way around it!