Ruling On Homelessness Raises Risks For Domestic Violence Survivors
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court has ruled in the case of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Gloria Johnson, to uphold a law enacted by a small Oregon town that bars those experiencing homelessness from using blankets, pillows and cardboard boxes while sleeping outdoors within city limits. Those who are found doing so can impose fines for camping in public on first-time offenders and up to 30 days of jail time for repeat offenders. It’s a case that has major implications for survivors of domestic violence, experts say.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs in this case have argued that barring camping on public property effectively criminalizes people for being unhoused.