ACLU Monitoring New Bedford City Council’s Panhandling Ordinance

The American Civil Liberties Union is keeping a close eye on the New Bedford City Council.

Thursday night's meeting will discuss the future of an ordinance that would require panhandlers to obtain a license in order to beg for money.

ACLU Deputy Legal Director Sarah Wunsch tells WBSM News the ordinance is unconstitutional, saying free speech cannot be licensed. "You have to get a license if you're going to parade in the streets," says Wunsch. "But this isn't anything like that. This is people simply on the sidewalks, or in the park, or other public places demonstrating and expressing a need for help." Wunsch confirms the ACLU has threatened to sue the City over panhandling crackdowns in the past, but has not yet involved itself in the Council's latest proposal.

Mayor Jon Mitchell has publicly stated he would not enforce the ordinance if it were to pass. Mitchell reaffirmed his statement on his weekly radio program, also saying the ordinance is unconstitutional. Mitchell says instead of an aggressive ordinance, he's encouraging the Homeless Service Providers Network to reach out to the panhandlers on the streets. "And telling them, 'Look, this is not good for you. You need to come in and get into services.' And we're going to try that. That's not an easy task but we want these people to have more productive lives," said Mitchell.

Wunsch says Mayor Jon Mitchell is right to say he would not enforce the ordinance if it passes.