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California city bans homeless from sleeping outside: If they leave, ?then that?s their choice?

Two ordinances aimed at clearing out the homeless population have been passed unanimously by the city council of Manteca, California.

One will ban people from sleeping or setting up encampments on any public or private property as of December 4, although the homeless won?t be jailed or fined. It will, however, allow the police to tear down any homeless sleeping areas as soon as they appear without having to be invited by the property owner, as was the case previously.

Explaining why the ordinance is necessary, Police Chief Nick Obligacion said, ?The goal is actually to correct the wrong. So, if the correction is them leaving Manteca, then that?s their choice.? He also opposes any sort of shelter for the homeless.

The other ordinance bans public urination and defecation, but also comes after the city temporarily closed public restrooms in a park, a location often used by the homeless to relieve themselves in private.

Read more at Think Progress.

Full post as published by the 13th juror on November 10, 2014 (boomark / email).