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To modify the Vagrancy Act of 1824 to decriminalise begging.

Submitted on Wednesday 19th March 2014

Published on Wednesday 19th March 2014

Current status: Closed

Closed: Friday 19th September 2014

Signatures: 23

Tagged with

British ~ Child ~ Law ~ Moral ~ Police ~ remain

Petition Action

To modify the Vagrancy Act of 1824 to decriminalise begging.

Additional Information

This uncivilised law dates back to 1824 and came into effect before the abolition of slavery and child labour. It is still enforced by the police when they arrest the homeless for begging and confiscate the free will offerings that people have given them. I have recently contacted the Ministry of Justice on this issue, who have informed me that, "The Government currently has no plans to make changes to this law." Since society has not yet reached the point of moral progress that prevents people from ending up on the street, then the least we should expect is for homeless people to have the chance to remain fed and protected by asking others for help, especially as British weather becomes ever more inhospitable. When we consider that real criminals live in prisons resembling cheap hotels, it is a cruel twist of justice that sees the misfortunate persecuted by those who should be there to help, backed up by a law that runs counter to every religious text and the basic conscience of man.


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