The Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Republican Governor Jeff Landry’s administration, overturning a lower court’s decision that had temporarily halted the clearing of homeless encampments in New Orleans.
The ruling, issued by Justice Jay B. McCallum, stated that the state’s actions were legal, emphasizing public safety and health concerns over aesthetics.
The court’s decision reverses an earlier ruling by Civil District Court Judge Ethel Julien, which had imposed restrictions on the clearing process, including requiring a 24-hour notice before sweeps.
The controversy stemmed from the state’s decision to clear encampments ahead of events like Taylor Swift’s October concerts, with critics arguing that the state’s actions violated local laws and failed to consider the broader impact on the homeless population.
Additionally, Democratic Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration expressed concerns that the removals would disrupt efforts to house homeless individuals.
Despite these objections, the Supreme Court sided with Attorney General Liz Murrill, who praised the decision as a victory for public safety.
This ruling highlights the ongoing tension between state and local authorities regarding homelessness policies, with differing views on how to address the issue while balancing public health and safety concerns.