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S U B S C R I B E
Friday, 9 December, 2011
Should Geneva change its anti-begging law?
Begging has become a big problem in Geneva in recent years—so much so that a law was introduced in 2008 to make begging an offence punishable with a fine or even prison. But now coalition of campaigners, faith groups and political parties has launched a petition to have the law overturned. They say the law disproportionately targets members of the Roma community and argue that it’s ineffective, costly and discriminatory. WRS talks to a spokesperson of that coalition as well as the Geneva cantonal police:
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Comments
Total comments: 5 | Add to the discussion.
“…They say the law disproportionately targets members of the Roma community…”
This is a ridiculous statement…OF COURSE the law would affect the people to VIOLATE the law the most.
“…and argue that it’s ineffective, costly and discriminatory.”
Show some statistics on this argument. I for one am happy for the law since it does curb or at least prevent massive begging on the streets. People come from all over Europe (and the world) to live in Switzerland BY CHOICE. Noone was ever forced (as far as I know) to come and live here (even refugees have to the choice of which country to go to) and so should have the means to support themselves and their families by doing honest work.
@jon sanz
you want statistics to prove that it is ineffective and costly. Millions have been spent on applying the law. The result is no result. There are as many people begging on the streets now as there were three years ago.
Begging here in Geneva with the Roma, albiet not nice to see this all over the streets, why is it allowed, for the roma it is a way of making a living, they are a third class citizen and treated so in there own country,this does not justify them begging, help people when help is nessesery, a lot of roma do have a roof over there head and an income in romania, so what is should be done. I am very surprised to see the amount of drug dealers all over the city dealing in front of anyone and everyone with out a care for authority, we went to the circus/fair last week and was approached by drug dealers within minutes of being there,and this was done in front of local agents de ville, police. So what is worse,drug dealers or beggers,surley the powers to be could do something to clean up the streets of this small city.
@jon sanz: Spot on! @alisdair: “Millions have been spent on applying the law”… I’m curious to hear how!
Why has nobody ever thought of disouraging g-i-v-i-n-g ?!?! As long as there are people out there foolish enough to give to beggers will keep flocking to beggers paradise!
Such apparent anger and passion that a few Roma people are begging. Have you got nothing better to moan on about?
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