9 Americans must appear in court for giving food to homeless people
Nine people in California have been charged with violating public food sharing regulations after giving food to homeless people.
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A group of people in California appeared at Wells Park to give gifts to the homeless. Photo:Facebook. |
This group of people went to Wells Park, El Cajon city, California on January 14.to distribute food, clothes, shoes and hygiene items to the homeless.
The police then showed up and served the group with a court summons, saying they were in violation.regulations by the city councilemergency action in October 2017to respond to the hepatitis A virus outbreak, according toBBC.
Under this regulation, people are prohibited from sharing food in public areas, as this could spread the hepatitis A virus.The recent virus outbreak has severely affected the homeless because their sanitary conditions are not guaranteed.
Council member Ben Kalasho said it was not a good idea to share food with homeless people in parks during a time when the virus is spreading rapidly. “You can take them home, feed them, give them a place to stay and shower them if you want,” he said.
Those who do so could face a $1,000 fine or even jail time. Scott Dreher, a defense attorney, said he will contest the charges and sue the city, arguing the ordinance is aimed at eliminating homeless people rather than preventing disease.
