The Supreme Court appears to agree: There is no inherent ‘right’ to public camps for the homeless

In a recent Supreme Court case on whether the homeless have the “right” to camp in public spaces, very few mentioned the actual victims of this idea – those who are not homeless.

Homeless advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union, argued that living on the streets is a “victimless” crime. But everyone who has to navigate around needles, human waste, and homeless individuals on their daily routines are the real victims.

Store owners, families trying to enjoy parks, and the general public are impacted by the presence of homeless encampments in public spaces. Additionally, homeless individuals have higher rates of committing violent crimes, leading to justified concerns from the public.

The Supreme Court heard arguments on the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, challenging a ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that prevents penalties for sleeping with blankets on public property.

Cities like San Francisco have reported that a significant percentage of homeless individuals refuse shelter when offered, indicating that the issue is not just about lacking housing options.

The case has divided opinions, with some Democratic politicians supporting the city of Grants Pass in their fight against the Ninth Circuit’s ruling. The outcome of this case will have a broad impact on homeless policies across the nation.

The public deserves clean and safe streets, and it’s essential to elect local leaders who prioritize the rights of law-abiding citizens over those of the homeless population.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the voters, especially in cities like New York, to ensure that their interests are represented in homeless policies.

Betsy McCaughey is a former lieutenant governor of New York.

Twitter: @Betsy_McCaughey