Is panhandling protected under the first amendment?
well, for its worth, I think so, but we have NOT had a challenge reach SCOTUS regarding the plethora of municipalities that have passed “no panhandling” statutes (ordinances). this is because they are cloaked in the “public safety ” issue. Proponents state that panhandlers can cause traffic accidents etc. An example was Sioux City Iowa that passed an ordinance but they had to include the Salvation Army, High School Cheerleaders car washes, etc. That made a lot friends (sarcastic) now they must stay on private property. In reality it is that cities don’t want people to see the poor! Since the poor are not a protected class, there is no civil rights basis except free speech clause. I think begging is the 3rd oldest profession and many people have God have gone through life begging their existence from the charity of others. I guess your CJ prof would have told Jesus to get a job! Public Speech on public property is protected. Maybe the homeless should preach or pray, then we sure couldn’
