ACLU files suit against Ville Platte over walking curfew

Posted: Oct 5, 2011 11:48 AM by Tonya LaCoste
Updated: Oct 5, 2011 11:50 AM

The Louisiana ACLU has filed a lawsuit against the city of Ville Platte over its walking curfew. The walking curfew ordinance is in place to keep people of the street after 10 p.m.

According to the ACLU, Art Sampson, the plaintiff in case, has been prevented from visiting relatives and friends as a pedestrian out of fear of arrest and a stiff fine, and has sought for many months to persuade the Ville Platte City Council not to renew the curfew. "The people of Ville Platte have been forced to remain indoors in violation of their rights to pursue their activities," said Marjorie R. Esman, ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director. "This law makes criminals out of Ville Plate residents who simply want to walk their dogs, go around the corner to visit a neighbor, or walk to a nearby store to buy needed supplies." The ACLU claims the walking curfew disproportionately affects lower income residents.