Critics Say New Street-Cleaning Law Attacks the Homeless

A Las Vegas ordinance that went into effect this week allows the city to charge people with a misdemeanor if they sit, sleep, or obstruct city crews from cleaning the sidewalks during designated times, Fox Channel 5 News reports. Police are expected to start enforcing the ban on February 1.

City council members said the law is meant to help eliminate bags, clothes, and trash from the streets, making Las Vegas more hospitable to tourists and residents. Critics of the law say it is unfair to the city’s homeless residents, who often keep all their belongings with them on the streets.

However, Mayor Carolyn Goodman believes the ordinance will help the homeless by directing them to shelters and other resources. The city is set to break ground later this year on a new homeless corridor that will offer beds and other resources.