New Bill To Criminalise Homelessness In Hungary

  • 12 Sep 2013 9:00 AM
New Bill To Criminalise Homelessness In Hungary
It is not the government’s aim to punish the homeless, but homelessness as a way of life is no reason for making the lives of non-homeless people difficult, Interior Ministry state secretary Károly Kontrát declared yesterday as Parliament began general debate of a bill that would ban living in public areas.

Under the bill, anyone found living in public areas is issued a warning on the first occasion. If the person is found living in public areas a second time within six months, then he or she may be jailed.

The bill would also imprison those who build a structure without the assent of the owner of the land.

Six Fidesz MPs who are also mayors of Budapest districts submitted a motion to grant districts the power to define which areas are off-limits to the homeless.

It follows an amendment submitted by Interior Minister Sándor Pintér that would give Budapest city council the power to designate by decree where it is forbidden to lead a regular life in public areas.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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