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The proposed “hotspot” bill criminalizing gatherings of more than two people was withdrawn yesterday in response to fierce opposition. "The bill has been withdrawn due to concerns raised by the community," said David Lipscomb, press secretary for D.C. Councilmember Jim Graham, the bill’s main sponsor.
The No-Loitering bill would have allowed D.C. police to randomly declare “hotspot zones” and arrest, fine and jail people in the targeted areas. “This was an ill-conceived and unconstitutional solution to the legitimate problem of crime in our city;” said Washington D.C. Metro Council AFL-CIO President Jos Williams., “Councilmember Graham and the other con-sponsors of this bill are to be congratulated for recognizing the bill’s fatal flaws and pulling it off the table.” D.C. Jobs with Justice’s Ruth Castel-Branco agreed: “This is a victory for all D.C. residents; thanks to everyone who called in, wrote letters, and signed up to testify against the bill.”
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