Las Vegas, a city synonymous with entertainment and nightlife, is proposing a controversial measure that could potentially alter the dynamics of its downtown area. The proposed ordinance, known as the "order out corridor" ordinance, aims to ban individuals convicted of crimes within certain areas of downtown Las Vegas from reentering those areas for a year. If they fail to comply, they may face arrest.
This proposal, sponsored by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, mirrors a similar ordinance passed in 2022 by Clark County, which led to a prohibition on the Las Vegas Strip. According to the city, this measure is primarily about public safety and identifying "chronic offenders."
The Proposal
The proposed "order out corridor" would encompass areas surrounding the Fremont Street Experience, extending from Main Street to 8th Street through Bridger Avenue and Stewart Avenue. The Recommending Committee heard the ordinance on Monday, and it will be introduced at the Las Vegas City Council meeting on Wednesday. However, the council will not deliberate or vote on the item until their meeting on November 15.
Critiques
Critics of the proposal, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada, argue that the ordinance could be used to target unhoused individuals and street performers. Athar Haseebullah, the executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, expressed concerns over the constitutionality of the ordinance, saying, “We are pretty confident here that this provision is unconstitutional. We do not think it will uphold scrutiny by any supreme court and certainly not by the Nevada Supreme Court.”
Haseebullah's concerns are not unfounded. The ACLU of Nevada, along with several other organizations, filed a joint amicus brief in August questioning the constitutionality of Clark County's similar ordinance. This brief argued that the ordinance infringes on individuals' First Amendment rights to access a transitional public forum and their Fourteenth Amendment right to travel.
Response
The city's response to these criticisms has been limited. Jace Radke, a spokesperson for the City of Las Vegas, stated that the city does not comment on ongoing litigation. However, he did note that the City Attorney is monitoring the case related to the county ordinance.
If passed, the ordinance could have significant implications for residents and visitors to downtown Las Vegas. It represents another example of the ongoing debate about how cities should balance public safety with individual rights, particularly in areas known for their vibrant nightlife and entertainment.
While the future of this ordinance remains uncertain, it underscores the need for ongoing discussions about public safety, individual rights, and the role of ordinances in shaping urban spaces.
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