Washington state Dem Rep. Gregerson pushes to make homelessness a civil right

Democratic state Representative Mia Gregerson from Washington state is advocating for legislation that would establish homelessness as a civil right, aiming to protect homeless individuals from discrimination based on their housing status. The proposed bill, as reported by “The Jason Rantz Show” on KTTH, seeks to designate homeless people as a protected class, safeguarding them from unfair treatment.

The legislation highlights the disproportionate impact of certain laws in Washington that target homelessness, labeling them as potentially unconstitutional and ineffective in addressing the root causes of homelessness. The bill is a response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which ruled that cities can enforce public-camping ordinances against the homeless without violating the Eighth Amendment’s protection against cruel and unusual punishment.

According to the draft of the bill, homeless individuals would have the right to exist in a nonobstructive manner on public property, including plazas, courtyards, parking lots, sidewalks, public transportation facilities, and areas within public buildings accessible to the public during normal operating hours. It emphasizes that homeless individuals should be permitted to occupy public spaces when existing shelter facilities are inadequate or inaccessible.

Mayor Kevin Schilling of Burien, located in Gregerson’s district, expressed disappointment at not being consulted about the legislation before its drafting. He emphasized the importance of expanding substance use disorder programs, enhancing emergency shelter capacity, and providing law enforcement assistance to address the multifaceted issue of homelessness effectively.

State Rep. Mia Gregerson, serving Washington state’s 33rd District since 2013, advocates for the rights of homeless individuals and aims to address the systemic challenges they face. Fox News Digital has reached out to Gregerson’s office for further comments on the proposed legislation.

In conclusion, the push for legislation recognizing homelessness as a civil right underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to support and protect vulnerable populations experiencing housing instability. By advocating for the rights of homeless individuals, policymakers like Rep. Gregerson are working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.