MEDFORD, Ore. -- The Medford City Council has withdrawn its appeal of a ruling that found its panhandling ordinance unconstitutional. The city had tried to prevent aggressive panhandling with an ordinance that prohibited people from asking for money at intersections and freeway off ramps, among other places. But a Jackson County judge ruled last March that it violates the right to freedom of speech under the Oregon Constitution. The American Civil Liberties Union had challenged the ordinance, arguing the city can't punish people simply for asking for a handout. KDRV-TV reported yesterday that the Medford police chief and city leaders plan to work on crafting a new ordinance.
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