Philadelphia City Council Delays Vote On Youth Curfew Bill
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - City Council has delayed until at least next week a final vote on controversial revisions to Philadelphia's curfew law prompted by flash mob violence. But the matter still sparked a series of emotional speeches Thursday from opponents.
When Council opened the floor to comments from the public, most of those lined up were opponents of the existing curfew law and of Mayor Nutter's proposed revisions.
Among them, Robert Taylor.
"Innocent people will be harassed: the youth and their parents."
Savannah Shange, who is studying youth policy at the University of Pennsylvania, said the curfew only heightens tensions.
"These interactions with police continue to make young people think that 'oh, I'm supposed to be a criminal, because this is how my city interacts with me.'"
The sponsor of the curfew revisions, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, had planned a final vote next Thursday, but after the speeches wants to check in with colleagues.
"We're going to re-circle back, which is what you always do on a highly controversial bill."
The revisions include three separate age groups, earlier curfew hours, and weekend hours would match weeknight restrictions.
Reported by Mike Dunn, KYW Newsradio 1060
