Church sues to allow homeless to sleep on steps

NEW YORK — A prominent New York City church has asked a federal judge to prohibit police from removing several dozen homeless people who sleep on the church’s steps each night.

Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, in a suit co-filed with the American Civil Liberties Union, said overnight police raids violated the right to “free association” of the church and the homeless people and constituted trespassing on private property.

Beginning Dec. 4, police made three overnight raids, telling the 40 or so homeless that they needed to leave, go to a city shelter or face arrest. Under an informal agreement with the city, the homeless people can stay there only between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. and must abide by other rules, such as those prohibiting foul language and blocking of sidewalks.