The ACLU of Missouri wants to thank both St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and St. Louis Alderwoman Megan Green for passing Board of Aldermen Bill 151.
While public nuisances ordinances seek to better the community by deterring criminal behavior, studies have found that they often endanger domestic violence victims, who are disproportionately women.
This bill encourages victims of stalking and domestic violence to call police when they are in trouble.
“This small, yet significant change to our nuisance property ordinance will go a long way toward providing housing stability for victims of domestic violence,” said Alderwoman Megan Green. “In issues of public safety, such as protecting the wellbeing of victims of domestic violence, it is imperative that we put such matters into law.”
Across the nation, nuisance ordinances have also been found to disproportionately impact and be disparately enforced against communities of color, black women in particular, and persons with mental disabilities.
“We are pleased to know that St. Louis city is making an effort to protect the rights of domestic violence victims,” Jeffrey Mittman, Executive Director of the ACLU of Missouri. “This bill is a step in the right direction in order to guarantee the rights of all of Missourians.”