Fingerprint Law for Charities Struck Down

Glendale’s requirement that charitable solicitors be fingerprinted to obtain a permit was ruled unconstitutional Monday by a state appeals court.

The ordinance “has the constitutionally impermissible effect of chilling freedom of speech while failing in its purpose of deterring fraud,” said the 2nd District Court of Appeal.

The court upheld a challenge by the environmental group Greenpeace, which said that fingerprinting carried a stigma that would discourage its members from canvassing at homes in the city.

The court, in its 3-0 ruling, noted that charitable soliciting has been protected from burdensome regulation because of free-speech concerns, and said that declarations submitted by Greenpeace gave substance to the group’s fears.