Renters fear calling 911 will trigger evictions; Pa. lawsuit says local laws endanger women

Published January 13, 2015

A suburban Philadelphia woman is challenging a local law that allows tenants to be evicted if they call 911 three times within four months.

The ordinance in Norristown is designed to promote safe, peaceful neighborhoods. Similar laws are in place around the country.

But domestic violence advocates say the law penalizes women for seeking help when they need it, and the American Civil Liberties Union calls the law unconstitutional.

Plaintiff Lakisha Briggs, a 34-year-old nursing assistant, says she moved rather than face eviction.

Norristown police say they were called to her home 10 times in five months because of problems involving Briggs' ex-boyfriend and her adult daughter. But they say they aren't enforcing the law while they review it.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/renters-fear-calling-911-will-trigger-evictions-pa-lawsuit-says-local-laws-endanger-women