Homeless men sue to sleep at Ohio courthouse

(AP) CINCINNATI - Four homeless men have filed a federal lawsuit to allow them to continue sleeping outside on the steps of the Hamilton County Courthouse. 

The suit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati alleges that the men's constitutional rights are being violated and that they face "cruel and unusual punishment" for being homeless. It asks a federal judge to grant a restraining order to allow them to continue the long-standing use of areas that are open to the public such as the Hamilton County Courthouse steps and outside benches.

Sheriff Jim Neil had announced a plan to help the homeless with their issues but to eventually end their practice of sleeping outside the building. He cited a public health hazard from the messes left.

The homeless pplaintiffs say the area around the courthouse offers a well-lit, relatively safe place to sleep. The lawsuit was filed after the recent posting of "No trespassing" signs.

"People should not be threatened with arrest and removal for being homeless," said Josh Spring, director of the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition.

Spring said there had been weeks of collaboration on homeless issues and that the sheriff should hold off chasing away the homeless until winter shelters for them are opened.

The homeless plaintiffs were identified as Antonio Wilson, Gary Hudson, Shafter Jinks and Brandon Booker.