Supreme Court to decide whether cities can ban homeless from public areas

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The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a case involving whether cities in Western states can ban homeless people from sleeping in public areas.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals previously ruled against anti-camping ordinances in Grants Pass, Oregon, saying it’s unconstitutional because it violates the Eighth Amendment of no "cruel and unusual punishment."

Grants Pass appealed the ruling, with the backing of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose own state faces a homelessness crisis.

The ruling applies to nine western states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

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A separate 9th circuit panel ruled in the Grants Pass case that officials shouldn’t pass laws banning homeless people "from using a blanket, pillow, or cardboard box for protection from the elements."

Former MLB great and 10-time All-Star Steve Garvey, a California Republican running for U.S. Senate, told Fox News Digital Friday that combating homelessness must be "grounded in compassion and practical solutions."

"Having recently visited homeless shelters in San Diego and Skid Row in Los Angeles, I've seen the harsh realities faced by those living on the streets," Garvey explained. "This experience reinforces my belief that