Council backs off of S.L. panhandling ordinance — for now

SALT LAKE CITY — Collecting money from strangers allowed Renae Allen to defend her right to panhandle in Utah's capital city.

"I actually panhandled just to get here," the 19-year-old told the Salt Lake City Council on Tuesday night. "I wanted to make sure I could get my voice heard."

Allen was among those at the Salt Lake City-County Building who spoke against a proposed ordinance that would regulate when, where and how people solicit donations in the city.

The proposal found little support from members of the public or the City Council, which deferred making a decision on the ordinance to an unspecified future date.

"(Being homeless) is not something anyone wants," said Allen, who's been homeless most of her life, often living off the kindness of strangers. "We're people who need help. ... We want a way to get out of homelessness."

Eric Ethington shared his story of becoming homeless at age 17 after telling his parents he was gay.

"I did eventually pull myself out of that situation," Ethington said, noting that he was fortunate to have supportive friends.

"For those who are not as lucky as I was, panhandling is not a choice," he said, "just as homelessness is not a choice. With this ordinance, we're seeking to criminalize these people's method of survival."

Mayor Ralph Becker has said the proposed commercial solicitation ordinance was designed to address "aggressive panhandling" — behavior that can make people feel unsafe and discourage them from visiting downtown.

Proposed restrictions in the ordinance would make such action illegal — a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a 1,000 fine.

Under the proposed ordinance, people would not be allowed to ask for money within 10 feet of specific areas, including sidewalk cafes or outdoor dining areas; places where people are lining up to get into an event or purchase tickets; bus or train stops; and ATMs.

It also would prohibit panhandling throughout the city after sunset and before sunrise. In addition, anyone who intimidates, threatens or causes "a reasonable person to fear bodily harm" when asking for donations would be in violation of the proposed ordinance.

Carla Wiese, economic development director with the Downtown Alliance, said her walk to work downtown includes a daily request for money from a man saying he needs help getting to Chicago, as well as solicitations from a perpetually pregnant woman at The Gateway who says local shelters won't help her.