Public rally held Friday to oppose ‘sit-lie’ ordinance

More than 70 people attended a Friday evening rally against upcoming enforcement of a new loitering ordinance affecting certain areas of Colorado Springs.

The Right to Rest rally, organized by The Coalition for Compassion and Action, started at 5 p.m. at the bandstand in Acacia Park downtown.

Organizers described the rally in a release as a “peaceful, non-violent event to raise awareness against the criminalization of homelessness in Colorado Springs.”

“(Shared) some compelling short statements that are going to be echoed by all of the people en masse, said Carrie Baatz, an event spokeswoman. “It’s going to be powerful. It’s an opportunity for people to share their voice, who otherwise may not have a chance.”

On April 9, the city begins enforcement of the recently passed Pedestrian Access Act, also referred to as the “sit-lie” ordinance.

Violators face a fine of up to $500 and a jail term of up to 90 days if police catch them more than once sitting, lying, kneeling or reclining on sidewalks, trails and other public areas.

Police will enforce the ordinance downtown and in Old Colorado City where there have been numerous complaints from merchants and customers about loitering, panhandling and homelessness.

Hours of enforcement are between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily and from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Violators will receive a written warning on the first offense.

“People think this is a homeless ordinance,” said Lt. Cathrine Buckley, of the Colorado Springs Police Department. “It’s not. It’s more of a pedestrian safety ordinance.”

Organizers also plan to have a sit-down protest on April 9 when enforcement begins.