TheDenverChannel.com










Denver News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Texas Man Fights Manitou Springs Panhandling Law

ACLU Says Ban Is Unconstitutional

POSTED: 7:32 am MST November 7, 2009

The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado is asking a town to dismiss charges against a Texas musician accused of violating an ordinance banning panhandling.

The musician, whose name and hometown weren't given, is accused of violating the ordinance in Manitou Springs, near Colorado Springs.

The ACLU said the ordinance prohibits panhandling anywhere in town and that a blanket ban is unconstitutional. It says its client was only carrying a guitar, not panhandling, and that even if he was asking for donations, that is protected speech under the First Amendment.

The ACLU is asking for a response by Monday.

Deputy City Clerk Kari Kilroy said the city attorney wasn't available to comment Friday afternoon.
The following are comments from our users. Opinions expressed are neither created nor endorsed by TheDenverChannel.com. By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms of Use. To report an offensive or otherwise inappropriate comment, click the "Flag" link that appears beneath that comment. Flagging a comment will send it to our editorial staff for review.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

It was bound to happen. There are now applications for your cell phone that can help you avoid speeding tickets as well as traffic jams. Drive carefully. More

Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network
Sponsored Links

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network

Shop Your Insurance

SAVE up to 30% on Insurance
Paying too much for insurance? Get quotes from multiple companies and choose the best plan for you. Start saving now!

Insurance Type:


Zip Code: