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The ACLU of Virginia sent a letter to Mayor David Smith and members of the City Council of Winchester urging them to reconsider a recent ordinance banning solicitation of motorists.

These types of broad bans on solicitation and panhandling are a violation of protected speech under the First Amendment. Similar bans have been deemed unconstitutional, and Winchester's new ordinance will not withstand a challenge in court.

The ACLU of Virginia strongly encourages the Winchester City Council to vote to rescind this unconstitutional ordinance as soon as possible.

Related Content

Press Release
Apr 16, 2019
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  • First Amendment Rights

ACLU-VA Urges Henry County to Reconsider Panhandling Ban

Solicitation is constitutionally protected speech, and the broad provisions passed by the Board of Supervisors prohibiting solicitation would not withstand a legal challenge.
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights