Houston considers all-out panhandling ban

(11/23/05 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- You've seen them along Houston's feeder roads and on intersection corners - panhandlers walking into traffic begging drivers for money. But if the city council has its way, that could soon come to an end.

Whether you see this as threatening or as an only option, panhandling is now officially under fire. Regardless of whether it's for charity or personal gain, Mayor Bill White wants an all-out ban.

"I'm not asking people to be hard-hearted," said Mayor White. "I think what's great about Houstonians, that we're generous, and I'm encouraging more generosity, but not giving somebody money in the middle of a street."

Some hold signs on the curb. Others stand between moving cars asking for money. Houston City Councilman Adrian Garcia calls it a public safety issue and nuisance.

"I think the rest of the citizens want to have the freedom to be at a stop light and not be hounded," he said.

He brought a proposed ordinance to council Tuesday that would ban children under 16 from soliciting on the side of the road for charity. But many in council chambers believe that is too limited.

"They discussed that it should be broader. If we can do it for children, why don t we do it for everybody," said Garcia. "I tend to agree with that."

Rick Hill with the Open Door Mission has mixed feelings about it.

"If you don't panhandle, what are you going to do to survive?" he asked.

Hill believes if you want to solve the problem, educate those that think this is the only way out.

"They need to know their options," said Hill. "How do we do that? Public awareness is the key."

Mayor White has asked the legal department to examine the issue of an all-out ban. Motorists we spoke with say they'd support a ban, but then there's the concern that it could be a violation of human rights and freedom of expression. It's likely this issue won't come up for vote for another few weeks.

Houston already has a civility ordinance which bans panhandling in downtown. It also prevents anyone - the homeless in particular - from lying down, sitting, or leaving personal belongings on sidewalks between 7am and 11pm. The ordinance was approved for downtown back in 2002, and then Midtown in August of last year.
(Copyright © 2005, KTRK-TV)

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•