November 25, 2024
Following FJI’s lawsuit against a Lake City ordinance that prohibited standing, soliciting, or leafletting at certain intersections, the City repealed the ordinance and the case has been resolved with the acceptance of a $75,000 offer of judgment. FJI’s lawsuit, brought on behalf of the nonprofit Cosac Foundation, alleged that the ordinance violated their First Amendment right to distribute the Homeless Voice Newspaper and collect donations. This victory for free speech will allow the organization to continue to disseminate its message, and allow anyone to request donations and distribute literature at intersections.
This case is part of FJI’s commitment to ending the criminalization of poverty.