In modern day society, ordinances and laws are constantly enacted and enforced, but sometimes these laws and ordinances are unjust to other members of society. In a 5-0 vote, the Calabasas City Council recently repealed an established law that banned street-side solicitors from Calabasas streets. The repeal was the appropriate choice for the City of Calabasas because of the first amendment, which gives American citizens the right to the freedom of speech. Furthermore, for some individuals, soliciting money or jobs is the only option of acquiring money.
The main issue with enforcing a ban on solicitors is that the city is essentially taking away their freedom of speech. The solicitors are simply asking for work or for money. It would be unconstitutional to restrict them from asking for these necessities since they are simply using their power of voice. It is wrong to restrict certain citizens from asking for work when other individuals are allowed to do so everywhere outside of Calabasas. The only difference between a solicitor and a professional who is requesting a job is that a solicitor is making the request on the streets, yet the end result both seek is the same. Since the ban can clearly be declared a violation of a citizen’s rights, it should not have been put in effect in the first place.
“I think that people have the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of speech”, said CHS history teacher Lance Novak. “I do believe that it falls under the right of the first amendment as long as they are not harming another individual.”
Since solicitors do not overwhelm the general public with demands for work, a ban seems unjustifiable. The solicitors are forced into this situation because they have no other option in order to obtain money or a job. Lacking many options, solicitors depend on the work or money they receive on a day-to-day basis. Because many are struggling in this economy to maintain or receive a job, there is sympathy in allowing the solicitors to try to obtain work. They are no different from others and should have an equal opportunity to work.
“Solicitors are just like any other person asking for work in America”, said Calabasas resident Michelle Conwisar. “I think everyone deserves an equal opportunity for work in the United States, not matter who they are.”
Having solicitors in the city once more is the right choice for the Calabasas City Council to make. First and foremost, restricting solicitors violates their first amendment right. Secondly, in the difficult economic situation, soliciting provides an opportunity to receive work and money for a livelihood. Many solicitors deal with a variety of economic hardships because of their lack of options in obtaining work. In a community that is composed of individuals with affluence, the city of Calabasas should look to those who are less fortunate and should not deprive them from their ability to acquire their own wealth.
