PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A small group of demonstrators from Stop The Sweeps PDX gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland on Monday as the US Supreme Court heard arguments in a case out of Grants Pass on whether cities can ban and/or fine homeless people sleeping on city streets.
Dozens of Oregon cities have created restrictions on where and when people can camp. The City of Portland’s attempt to create those rules was temporarily blocked.
US Supreme Court weighs bans on sleeping outdoors in Grants Pass case
Groups who support the Grants Pass position told KOIN 6 News they want the Supreme Court ruling to provide clarity into how cities can deal with the homeless and housing. Groups like Stop The Sweeps PDX maintain cities can already deal with homelessness by providing housing and shelter.
The League of Oregon Cities, with Portland’s support, advocated for the nation’s highest court to take this case. They claim there is no current clarity in how US cities — especially those on the West Coast — can create regulations around homeless camping.