Sit Lie Ordinance

July 5th, 2009
Bulletin Cover

As you may have heard in the local news, Portland’s sidewalk obstruction ordinance, referred to as sit-lie, an ordinance of the city passed two years ago prohibiting anyone from sitting or lying on downtown sidewalks between 7 AM and 9 PM, to keep sidewalks free of obstruction, was ruled as unconstitutional by a judge of the ounty Circuit Court, ruling the ordinance exceeds city’s authority. Those who have been cited for violation of the ordinance have been homeless people. One might argue that the problem really being addressed by the ordinance is not sidewalk obstruction but homelessness; not accessibility but what to do with people many do not care about or want to help.

Like many controversial issues, there are different sides and opposing arguments. It seems the issue here is not people obstructing city sidewalks—and typically those who are sitting or lying on the sidewalk are people who are homeless—but there is
to place for them to go. The challenge is to find solutions to end homelessness and o offer services to those who want to make the transition from homelessness to housing.

For the people in our neighborhood who are homeless, who have no place to go or
place to be during the daytime, the city ordinance reinforced negative public attitudes and perceptions. Those who are homeless are the target of blame, fear, negative stereotypes, and further indignities directed towards them. The result of the ordinance was to criminalize those who are homeless rather than help them find a way out of homelessness. For homeless advocates here in downtown, the decision to overturn the ordinance allows the focus to return to creating an access center for homeless, a place where they can go during the daytime and find needed services and support. As a parish community, we need to support and advocate the building of an access center in downtown. Our Morning Hospitality program does offer a safe, comfortable welcoming environment for our friends and guest who are homeless, and our services are meeting a need, yet more is needed in our neighborhood.

It is troubling to hear about the fear and hate towards those who are homeless in
other places in our country. Attacks on homeless people are increasing in some cities, attacks perpetrators call “bum stomping.” But there is news of communities taking action addressing this injustice and cruelty. Maryland has become the first state to categorize these assaults as hate crimes. Now, homeless persons have legal protection from attacks, having a status the same as those who are targets of hate crimes because of sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity. This is an important development in addressing the hateful attitudes present in our culture towards those who are homeless. As a parish, we have a role to play in educating others about the issues of homelessness, to be a prophetic voice of advocacy for those who are poor and vulnerable.

Jesus is the source of our faith and service, our prophetic voice and advocacy, our confidence and strength, our communion and fellowship. He is the prophetic voice, a voice often ridiculed and rejected, but one that still needs to be heard. We hear his voice, ‘Love you neighbor.” We live our lives for others; we address injustices and advocate for the homeless poor.