PORTLAND — A Multnomah County judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to end Portland Mayor Charlie Hales’ policy that allows sleeping on sidewalks and in tents.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reports that Judge Marilyn Litzenberger on Wednesday dismissed the lawsuit, saying the group of businesses and neighborhood associations will need to make it clear how the policy affects them if they refile their case.
An attorney for the plaintiffs says Hales’ “safe sleep policy,” which has allowed homeless people to camp out on Portland’s streets since it was announced in February, doesn’t do anything to address homelessness and instead encourages unhealthy living conditions and violence.
Attorneys for Portland argue the case is unlawful because the plaintiffs raised a political question that the court did not have the authority to answer.
