The city of Vancouver stated the ruling would not lead to any changes in its approach to the issues related to homelessness

The conservative majority of the United States Supreme Court ruled Friday that laws regulating camping on public property do not violate the U.S. Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The ruling came in the Grants Pass (Ore.) vs. Johnson case.

In a statement released in response to that ruling, the city of Vancouver stated the ruling would not lead to any changes in its approach to the issues related to homelessness.

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling does not change the urgency surrounding the issues related to homelessness or our continued work on this humanitarian crisis. Vancouver’s existing ordinances and related emergency orders remain fully valid and enforceable,’’ the statement read.

“The Supreme Court recognized that addressing homelessness is complex and best left – not to judges – but to the people and their elected representatives to regulate,’’ the statement continued. “This underscores the importance of continued thoughtful discussion on regulating the livability impacts of unsheltered homelessness in our community. 

“Over the years, the city has made significant progress in addressing homelessness and related issues, including declaring an emergency in 2023 to expand our efforts to address this crisis and its impacts on both the housed and the unhoused. 

“The city is committed to the safety and well-being of everyone who calls Vancouver home. We will continue working with the community and our partners to address the growing complexity and severity of the crisis surrounding this issue.’’

Learn more about Vancouver’s response to homelessness.