Airport money-raising ban ruled constitutional [View All]

[Newsjock]

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

SAN FRANCISCO -- Banning groups such as the Hare Krishnas and any other private citizen from asking for money at an airport is a constitutional way to keep travelers from being bothered, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The court upheld a Los Angeles ordinance that makes it illegal to ask for money on the sidewalks and in the terminals of Los Angeles International Airport. The case was closely followed by airport officials in San Francisco, who allow people with permits to solicit only at two "free speech zones" in the terminals.

"We're gratified that the Supreme Court gave airports freedom to protect undue harassment of travelers and also help ensure airport security," said Deputy City Attorney Danny Chou, who represented San Francisco in the case.

He said he expects officials at San Francisco International Airport to study the ruling and decide whether to propose a ban on soliciting money.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/03/25/BA5V1CLCD5.DTL&tsp=1