RI Considers 'Homeless Bill of Rights' - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

RI Considers 'Homeless Bill of Rights'

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. -

Rhode Island is considering creating a homeless bill of rights to prevent discrimination against people who some lawmakers say are some of society's most vulnerable.

The legislation has passed the Senate but is hung up in the House, where some lawmakers worry the bill could burden local governments and police departments.

The measure would prohibit law enforcement, health care workers, landlords or employers from treating homeless people unfairly because of their housing status.

While most discrimination against the homeless is already prohibited, no state has passed such comprehensive legislation.

Megan Smith, an advocate for the homeless and co-author of the bill of rights, says the proposal isn't about giving the homeless new rights, but about ensuring they're not treated any worse than anyone else.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.

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