ACLU of Colorado Statement of City of Denver's Revision to Panhandling Ordinance

DENVER - One day after a federal district court in Colorado ruled that Grand Junction’s panhandling ordinance violates the First Amendment, Denver Police Chief Robert White ordered his officers to suspend enforcement of Denver’s panhandling ordinance.
“We commend Denver for taking prompt action to suspend enforcement of a panhandling ordinance that violates the First Amendment rights of persons who peacefully ask for charity in public places,” said Mark Silverstein, ACLU of Colorado Legal Director. “We will be asking city attorneys throughout Colorado to review their panhandling ordinances in light of the federal court’s decision. Most of those ordinances will need to be repealed or dramatically revised.”
 
Read the DPD bulletin here.