The City of Manitou Springs charged musician Nathan Butler with violating a city ordinance that forbids "panhandling" anywhere within the city limits. After reviewing the Manitou Springs ordinance, the ACLU Legal Director wrote to the City Attorney. The letter explained that the panhandling ordinance violated the First Amendment and demanded that the charge against Mr. Butler be dismissed. The charge was subsequently dismissed.
ACLU news release:
- "ACLU demands that Manitou Springs dismiss unconstitutional panhandling charges against Texas musician," ACLU News Release, November 6, 2009
Media:
- "Texas man fights Colorado town’s panhandling law," The Denver Post, November 6, 2009
- "ACLU asks Manitou to drop charges on panhandling ban," The Denver Post, November 7, 2009
- "ACLU questions panhandling law," Gazette, November 11, 2009
