LAS VEGAS (AP) — Clark County, which encompasses Las Vegas, is facing a federal lawsuit filed by a woman who uses a wheelchair due to a spinal injury. The woman accuses the county of unfairly targeting individuals with disabilities under its new ban on standing or stopping while crossing pedestrian bridges on the Strip.
The ban, which took effect one month ago, makes it a misdemeanor to stop, stand, or engage in activities that impede pedestrian traffic on Strip pedestrian bridges. Violators of the ordinance could potentially face up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine.
Lisa McAllister, the plaintiff in the lawsuit, who is unable to stand or walk due to a spinal injury, frequently stops unexpectedly while using a manual wheelchair. Her stops may be due to fatigue, wheelchair malfunctions, or obstacles created by others. The lawsuit argues that the ordinance effectively denies McAllister and others with disabilities the use of pedestrian bridges on the Strip as they may not always be able to cross without stopping.
The ACLU of Nevada, representing McAllister, is seeking to have the ordinance struck down on the grounds that it violates the rights of individuals with disabilities as well as rights protected by the First Amendment.
The county contends that the ordinance is intended to enhance public safety by maintaining a continuous flow of pedestrian traffic across the bridges. It maintains that the measure is not aimed at targeting street performers or individuals taking pictures but is rather a means to ensure a safe environment for visitors in the popular tourist area.
The ACLU of Nevada's lawsuit argues that the ordinance not only impedes the rights of individuals with disabilities but also limits activities protected under the First Amendment, such as protesting or performing on the street.
As the legal battle unfolds, the county has refrained from commenting on the pending litigation, emphasizing that the ordinance is designed to uphold public safety in the bustling tourist hub of Las Vegas.
