Not all panhandling should be a crime

The Gazette Editorial Board

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Three years ago, a proposal to ban people from soliciting on city right of way areas in Cedar Rapids was tabled by the City Council, mainly because there no exemptions for worthy causes such as charities.

Now, there's a new proposal in the works that has won initial backing from the city's Public Safety Committee. We think it's an improvement from the last one, which we opposed, but we still have some reservations.

The new version allows for charities while prohibititing “aggressive” panhandling - defined as conduct likely to cause people to fear for their safety. It also addresses panhandlers who create potential safety hazards at street intersections and off-and-on ramps. And police say it gives them more ability to intercede.

We see merit in those approaches if they are focused on dangerous behavior of panhandlers, not someone's respectful request for money. We think it would be wrong to ban all panhandling activity, however uncomfortable it may be for other residents. Why should it be a crime to ask someone for a donation?

Granted, there's no sure way to know which panhandlers are truly in need and which are misrepresenting themselves. But as long as they are don't harass other people and don't create traffic hazards, we see no good reason for a crackdown on all panhandlers. Absent such threatening behaviors, all of us should be able to respond to solicitors' requests with a firm, polite “no” and move away if we don't want to give.

Council member Chuck Swore also voiced another important distinction during Monday's committee meeting. He and other committee members want the ordinance to ensure that “passive” requests for help, such as directions to shelters or meal programs, aren't treated as crimes.

We agree. Peaceful panhandlers shouldn't be treated as criminals any more than someone raising money for a legitimate charity.

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