While the discussion of panhandlers in Lamar County continues to draw attention from both sides, an online petition has racked up almost 1,000 signatures in support for banning those who stand on the side of the road asking for money.
However, City Attorney Stephanie Harris says panhandlers are protected by the law.
“The Supreme Court of the United States has put significant barriers in the way of panhandling ordinances that is protected by free speech,” said City Attorney Stephanie Harris.
A quick search online reveals cities that have tried to ban panhandlers have faced lawsuits and Harris says that is something the City of Paris wants to avoid.
“We want to avoid litigation where possible but we also want to avoid violating the United States Constitution,” said Harris. “We have no interest in enacting unconstitutional ordinances.”
The City of Springfield, IL, was recently ordered to pay more than $54,000 in fees to two civil rights attorneys who represented Springfield panhandlers in two separate cases, on top of the $333,000 the city had already been ordered to pay up according to SJR.
Chief of Police Bob Hundley says while his patrol officers watch the frequented spots for panhandling, he reiterated there is no law against it.
“As long as these individuals are not standing in the roadway itself, they are not violating a law,” explained Hundley. “Paris does not have an ordinance regarding panhandling or location where it can take place at.”
However, there are laws in place to protect the public.
“There are laws in place for any unwanted touching of a person such as assault and disorderly conduct if any obscene words tend to create a disturbance,” said Hundley.
While it seems everyone’s hands are tied when it comes to changing the law, local veteran Jeremy Ellis says he will continue to help the men and women panhandling on street corners.
“I don’t want to see these guys arrested or charged, I genuinely want to help the ones who need it and deter the ones trying to scam people,” said Ellis.
“Since we’ve started standing down there with the panhandlers and cleaning it up we’ve actually been able to help the situation,” said Ellis. “I actually prayed with one man and plan on helping as many as I can but not all of them are really homeless and are just taking advantage of people.”
In his plight to help those in need, Ellis also wants to ‘Make Paris Beautiful Again’ by picking up trash left on the side of roadways and in gutters.
“We’ve collected dozens of trash bags full of trash and will continue to do so while helping the panhandlers in need.”
Ellis said he plans on taking the subject to the City Council Meeting on February 11th in hopes of finding more avenues to help these men and women.
