Justice William Babe found 13 people guilty under the Safe Streets Act, although he said they wouldn't have to pay the $65 fines because it took him about six months to reach a decision.
It was the first legal challenge of the legislation, passed by the provincial government last year. Since then, more than 2,000 tickets have been issued under the act.
The law makes it illegal for anyone to stop cars and try to wash motorists' windshields for money. Repeatedly asking people for money in public places is also prohibited.
The Safe Streets Act, tabled in 1999, was proposed after a growing number of people complained about "squeegee kids" – young men and women who sprinted into traffic in downtown Toronto to wash windshields for cash.
- FROM JAN. 30, 2000: Ontario tries wiping streets clean of 'squeegee kids'
Defence lawyers challenged the legislation on two main grounds. They said the provincial government was trying to pass a Criminal Code law, which is solely a matter for Ottawa. They also said the rules violated people's freedom of expression.
- FROM JAN. 8, 2001: Ontario anti-squeegee law taken to court
- FROM NOV. 15, 1999: Canada accused of being too tough on panhandlers
But on Friday the judge refused to dismiss the tickets, and found all 13 accused guilty of violating the new panhandling law.
In a 38-page written decision, Babe said any infringement on freedom of expression is justified in the name of public safety. He also rejected the argument that the act discriminates against the poor.
Ontario's Attorney General said he's delighted by the ruling, but social activists called it a blow to those who need help the most. They said the province should spend more time and money fighting poverty than on ticketing panhandlers. Defence lawyers vowed to appeal.
