The ACLU of Alaska submitted a friend-of-the-court brief in Grants Pass v. Johnson.

Friend –

On Wednesday, the ACLU of Alaska joined the national American Civil Liberties Union, and 18 other ACLU affiliates across the country by submitting a friend-of-the-court brief <[link removed]> in Grants Pass v. Johnson.

The brief argues that cities cannot issue fines or arrest people for sleeping outside in public when they have no access to adequate shelter. Punishing a person who is forced to sleep in public because they have nowhere else to go violates our Constitution's Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. This case is set to be heard before the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, April 22.

Why are we weighing in here?

It makes no difference if you live under a bridge or in a mansion. In America, the Constitution applies to everyone <[link removed]>

This isn't the first time we've defended the constitutional rights of unhoused Alaskans. Last year, we filed a series of 16 appeals <[link removed]> on behalf of Anchorage residents who were threatened with fines, arrest, and seizure of belongings when they failed to move from a public space, even though there was no shelter space available to them in Anchorage. These cases are ongoing.

Municipal officials in Anchorage are predicting as many as 900 people will be forced to live on the streets this summer once winter indoor shelters close.

Slapdash attempts by the Municipality to clean up the appearance of homelessness across our city without addressing root causes or helping people take steps toward permanent housing is not an effective or fiscally responsible choice.

No matter how the court rules, this case won't bring the solutions we need to end homelessness; it's up to our elected officials to stop deflecting their responsibility and take real action to protect public safety, and improve housing and health in Anchorage and across the state.

We will keep you updated as this case progresses and share other developments in the rights of unhoused Alaskans.

Sincerely,

The ACLU of Alaska team


Donate Now <[link removed]>

Facebook Icon <[link removed]>
Twitter Icon <[link removed]>
Instagram Icon <[link removed]>

This email was sent to: [email protected]

You are receiving this message because you signed up
to receive emails from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Unsubscribe <[link removed]>

Please note: If you forward or distribute, the links will open a page with your information filled in.

We respect your right to privacy – view our policy. <[link removed]>

This email was sent by:
ACLU of Alaska
1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 207
Anchorage, AK 99503