Right to panhandle?

The New Hampshire chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing the Manchester Police Department for citing panhandlers.

According to ACLU-NH, the police in Manchester are detaining and charging panhandlers under the state's disorderly conduct statute, even though the panhandlers are standing in public places.

"In short, the department is stretching a criminal statute to criminalize an activity that is not a crime at all, but rather is protected speech," said Gilles Bissonnette, the Legal Director of the ACLU-NH. 

The Manchester Police Department has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit.

In similar cases, supporters of panhandling restrictions have argued that panhandlers disrupt the flow of traffic whenever a driver pulls over to donate.

Other panhandling opponents argue that giving money to panhandlers often enables addicts. 

Do you think panhandling can qualify as disorderly conduct? Comment below!