(RightWing.org) – State legislators in Maryland are set to pass a bill that would prevent the police from clearing homeless encampments on public land. Republicans fear the move will add even more poverty and crime to cities already suffering.
On January 19, Maryland state delegate Sheila Ruth (D) introduced a bill that would ban the police from enforcing Failure to Obey Lawful Orders laws, often used to clear away groups of homeless people who refuse to vacate public property. Ruth argues against the destruction of homeless encampments and claims tent cities full of people who are often mentally ill or addicted to drugs don’t harm the communities surrounding them. In fact, these encampments attract drug dealers and fights, public disturbances, thefts and vandalism rates rise when one appears.
Maryland state bill would prevent police from removing homeless camps from ANY public propertyhttps://t.co/1viVkQOedR
— Nic Kipke (@Kipke) February 23, 2022
Maryland Republicans are strongly opposed to Ruth’s bill, pointing out even ultra-liberal cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are now cracking down on encampments because of the problems they cause. State Senator Michael Hough (R) says the state legislature has recently seemed determined to coddle criminals as victims, encouraging them to break laws. State Senator Justin Ready (R) says the bill will encourage the same problems San Francisco is grappling with. Will enough legislators agree and sink this irresponsible bill?
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