People have a First Amendment right to panhandle on public streets, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled today, striking down a law that bars panhandling while allowing others to try to sell newspapers, solicit charitable contributions or hail a cab at the very same street corners. Read more.
A federal appeals court yesterday upheld Worcester regulations to ban "aggressive" panhandling, saying the city was not trying to squelch anybody's free speech but rather protect the public from panhandlers getting up in the grills of motorists and pedestrians.
Boston has similar regulations against in-your-face solicitation.
The Daily Free Press interviews a guy who seeks donations for opening the door at the Kenmore Square 7-Eleven on a proposed city ordinance that would restrict areas open to panhandling - specifically, the middle of the street.
"At least I'm doing something for someone,” Price said. "I'm not robbing or stealing. I'm only asking, and the person I'm asking can say yes or no. I've got no shame in my game."
Photographynatalia spots a Downtown Crossing panhandler with an unusual plea.
The South End News reports some buy is trying to sell old copies of the paper for $1 each, claiming the money will help homeless kids in Roxbury:
THIS IS A SCAM. The suspect, who was black, 5'10" and heavyset, was seen last Thursday on School St (A1 District - 617-343-4240). We've reported the incident to the police. If you see anyone selling the paper on the street, please report it to the police.
Mike the Mad Biologist stops to listen to the woman on crutches begging for train fare near Back Bay station, only to tell her he's onto her, that he's watched her working Copley Square for the last four months:
She pauses for a second, and responds:
"Well, why'd you stop and not just keep walking by?" ...
Never a dull moment in the naked, limping city.
Filed on Citizens Connect today from Dartmouth Street in front of the T stop:
Panhandler loudly announcing his woes to the public, disturbing the peace! Goes on about how shelter gave him $10 to begin his journey, must see his son, just left work, needs more $ to take him to wherever. Where is a cop to tell him to stop?! White male, approx 5'6", 140 pounds, clean cut, dark hair.
An all too common occurrence, it's Boston!
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