A second lawsuit has been filed against Phoenix alleging its new park ordinance violates the Constitution.
The Circle the City lawsuit claims the city’s ordinance violates the First Amendment.
The city's ordinance bans the distribution of food and medical care in city parks without a permit, and threatens criminal charges for those who continue to do so.
Last week, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order in favor of a local church ministry against Phoenix. The temporary restraining order only applies to St. Herman’s Table and expires after two weeks.
Circle the City is seeking a broader order to allow all organizations to distribute aid.
In a statement, Circle the City says Phoenix’s restrictions are unconstitutional, and effectively cuts off services altogether. It says urgent action is needed to provide critical medical care and food to those in need.
