9 Americans to stand trial for giving food to homeless
Nine people in California have been charged with violating public food sharing laws 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, clothing, 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 of the law.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 population 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 violate the ordinance could face a $1,000 fine or even jail time. Defense attorney Scott Dreher said he will contest the charges and sue the city, arguing that the ordinance is designed to eliminate homeless people rather than prevent disease.
