Houston Man Sues The City Over Their Ban On Feeding The Homeless
One man in Houston, Paul Byrant, is suing the city over their ban on feeding the homeless.
According to the lawsuit, if you are caught feeding the homeless in that area you could be found guilty of a criminal misdemeanor and receive a fine up to $2,000.
Byrant, who says that he is a devout Christian, says this ban on feeding the homeless is in violation of his religious rights, he calls it mean-spirited, and he says it's preventing him from exercising the teachings of Jesus Christ.
His legal team consists of attorney Randall Kallinen and attorney Eric Dick.
They say that for the state to try and restrict the right of citizens to feed the homeless, that such an action is against their constitutional rights.
As per the rules of the controversial ban on feeding the homeless that was passed in Houston back in 2012, it stipulates that you must get a permit from the state if you plan on feeding more than 5 people, and you must also get written consent from property owners both public and private.
Byrant says that he keeps bottled water and tuna snacks on him in case he ever comes across someone in need that he can give it to. He never knows when he might feel compelled to help another or when he might come across someone in need, and having to ask permission first before he can engage in private charity is not only an inconvenience but it seems like it's also a glaring violation of his natural rights.
Citizens have aggressively criticized the ban, signing petitions by the tens of thousands, and now they are taking the fight to court. Many want to see the law overturned and they want to be free to feed those in need in their communities without any government intervention.
This isn't an issue just in Houston either, there have been similar pieces of legislation passed in a number of areas around the US.
Many people have been arrested and fined for their actions of helping those in need. The state perpetually gives the justification that they pass these rules for 'safety' because they aren't sure whether that food being handed out is safe for consumption or not. However, there are many homeless advocates who have heavily criticized that weak reasoning and they see these restrictions as more of an attack on the poor and an infringement upon human rights.
Pics:
Pixabay
WJunction
Sources:
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Houston-man-sues-City-of-Houston-for-ban-on-11071388.php
http://wqad.com/2017/04/17/houston-man-sues-for-right-to-feed-homeless-on-grounds-of-religious-freedom/
I have fed the homeless for years in my area, stuff like this catches my eye.
I have ties to the Florida cases that caught a lot of the news in this regard. I challenged the Florida area mayor to debate me openly in his city who caused the most problems. That guy and people like him are a stain on society.
My friend Shawn was the key guy in Florida involved in all this, his name was all over the news for being charged and feeding our brothers and sisters.
The mayor wrote me back the usual copy and paste template and refused to debate me and in my files, I have that in writing.
If you search my name + challenges florida mayor" -- you can likely find the page on FB one of my friends set up LOL.
I am so sick of gov't it is not even funny and yes, I was planning on going from Canadastan to FLA and I would have torn him and his city cronies a new one, it would have been ugly.
Do you know how many people show up to give the thumbs down to puppy kickers like thise fg sociopaths??????
I do, I have been in a pile of speeches and protests for things - not just social justice related either.
Public policy largely disgusts me.
Here is the page I was talking about where I was going to debate that legendary douche of a Florida mayor on this related stuff.
https://www.facebook.com/Barry-Dutton-Vs-Florida-Mayor-Jack-Seiler-809399675765454/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
there have been many who have been targeted, it's just a terrible waste of everyone's time really lol
I replied with all kinds of info under my own links/replies so as to not bother you but have a look.
https://www.facebook.com/809399675765454/photos/a.809400062432082.1073741825.809399675765454/809400072432081/?type=1&theater
Excellent news dear friend @ doitvoluntarily thank you very much for broadcasting
It saddens me that the State can ban acts of compassion towards the less fortunate. The officials responsible should be brought to account, as well as the State. After all, it is they (no doubt through greed who made the decision. The State is simply the vehicle and tool of enforcement.
in Florida one judge told them to stop doing it and one state prosecutor also admitted that it was shameful what they were doing
Likely that is who I mentioned in my post reply here on this.
So many people want the homeless to just go away. Don't mess up my yard, don't mess up my business, don't clutter my eyesight. But the money spent on enforcement of ordinances like this could instead go to improved spending on homeless shelters and programs to reintegrate them into society. I'm NO fan of government spending but I would rather my tax money be spend to help instead of to harass.
I read an article where the city of Jacksonville could have made a small change to the bus schedule which would have improved the ability of the homeless to get from their work programs to the shelter and back on time. They did not, so people had to decide whether to go to their work program OR get a spot at the shelter. Making the change to the schedule cost almost nothing, and would have improved resources spent!
Thank you for bringing this up. I love your posts.
i'm right there with you! I am not for extortion but if i am going to be extorted from i'd much rather see those funds going to help a human being rather than bomb a village overseas. thanks for your kind words and support!
I'm shocked that such a law could possibly be in existence! How sad! I hope the people of that city and the others effected by this ridiculous rule are able to win in court! :(
Excellent post! I like your work My friend