Texas Man Fights Manitou Springs Panhandling Law
ACLU Says Ban Is Unconstitutional
POSTED: 7:32 am MST November 7,
2009
MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. -- 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.
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