Free Exercise Challenge Planned In Ban On Feeding Homeless In Parks

According to Reuters yesterday, the ACLU of Florida may challenge on behalf of religious organizations a new Orlando ordinance that prohibits the regular feeding of homeless people in downtown parks. Passed earlier this week, the new law is attempting to protect an area of downtown that is undergoing renewal with the construction of condos, office buildings and university campus buildings. The city, however, has set aside other nearby space for food programs. Howard Simon, director of the Florida ACLU said that the new law interferes with religious groups' fulfilling their mission of feeding the homeless. Before filing suit, the ACLU is organizing a coalition of churches to attempt to negotiate a settlement with the city.