LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A controversial ordinance that would make it illegal to camp or sleep on sidewalks if there is space at local shelters in Las Vegas took effect Sunday.
The 5-2 vote was made on Wednesday and followed a heated meeting at City Hall.
"Any more screaming from anyone I'm going to have you removed from council chambers," Mayor Carolyn Goodman said.
The ordinance gained nationwide attention from various news organizations.
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"This ordinance is really only about safety, health, and sanitation", Mayor Pro Tem Michele Fiore said, during an appearance on Fox News.
"Criminalizing homeless is not what we're doing; we're making sure people are getting the help we need," Fiore said.
Mayor Goodman also said the city is finally addressing and working to tackle a problem that has persisted for so long. But opponents of the ordinance say this move criminalizes homelessness.
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"Nobody wants the homeless to be arrested," resident Leonard Martin said.
Enforcement will begin on Feb. 1.
