2-4-2009 Florida:
After a conflict with Miami Police, the sex offenders who have been sent by the state to live under the Julia Tuttle Causeway are getting some help from the American Civil Liberties Union.
Yesterday the Florida branch of the ACLU delivered a letter to Miami Chief of Police John Timoney asking the department to stop threatening the men with arrests. The number of residents living in the tent city under the causeway doubled to 40 in the past two years, prompting the offenders to spread into the areas on the outskirts of the bridge. In response, city cops warned them this passed week that they would be arrested for trespassing.
But the ACLU says Miami's finest are forgetting something: You can't arrest a homeless individual for trespassing when the city isn't able to provide them housing. (See Pottenger vs. the city of Miami) Since homeless shelters both can't and won't take the men, the ACLU points out, they are covered under the law.
Says Carlene Sawyer, chair of the Miami ACLU:"Where will these people go if they get arrested? It's a terrible situation and this is cruel and unusual punishment." ..News Source.. by Natalie O'Neill
February 4, 2009
FL- ACLU Stands Up For Banished Sex Offenders
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4 comments:
Whatever happened to the Miami public defender's suit regarding residency restrictions? Heard anything?
Heard anything about the Miami public defender and the ACLU joint suit against the city regarding residency restrictions?
All I can say is "It's about damn time!!".
Florida's sex offenders have been waiting for the ACLU to publicly take a stand for a while now. Every time I have contacted the ACLU in this state, I got the same answer..."If you are in the need of help, please contact a private attorney. We cannot take up your case".
Why not...Every time I wrote it was a matter concerning civil liberties. Aren't they the "AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION" fighting for our rights?
Florida's ACLU needs to get their head out of the sand I appreciate this latest jesture, but there is more at stake here than just defending sex offender rights.
It's about Government Control...and how much we let them have. This is OUR COUNTRY...not the politician's. If they get away with doing this to sex offender, they will do it to another group of people in the future. You can bet on it!!
i am having the same problem here in Lakeland florida Polk County can anyone help me to get the forms for petition of relief from registry???
dave
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