In Shawnee, Oklahoma, a controversy is brewing over a new city rule that requires a permit to distribute free food to the homeless in the downtown area, set to take effect on November 16.

This decision has been made in response to concerns over litter following the feeding of the homeless by various groups, which has left the city and local business owners with extra cleanup work.

City Manager Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer explained the city’s side, saying, “There were two and three groups coming into feed or where groups have left and left trash in the downtown area, which then either city staff had to clean up or nearby property owners depending on which way the trash blew.”

In essence, the mess left behind from these charitable acts has become a problem for the city to manage.

The ordinance specifically targets what it describes as “feeding operations,” meaning any instance where four or more homeless people are being fed by a group.

Should anyone be found feeding a group without a permit, fines are in place—$250 for a first offense, doubling to $500 for repeat offenses.

This move has sparked outrage among some community members.

TRENDING: Liberal Mag Roasted for Sickening Claim ‘MAGA, Christian Nationalism Bigger Threat to America Than Hamas’

For example, Sarah Inselman, who works at a homeless shelter, disagrees with the new policy.

She said “That’s outrageous. That’s a step too far. They’re humans, and they deserve to be treated like humans.” Her outrage reflects a sense of injustice felt by some over the new restrictions.

Despite this, Weckmueller-Behringer insists that the city understands the need to feed the homeless and claims the permit requirement is about keeping the area clean, not stopping the food distribution.

She maintains that while the city acknowledges food as “a basic requirement,” there needs to be a system to avoid unsanitary conditions.

RELATED: Jen Psaki Nearly Strokes Out After Mike Johnson Says ‘I Am a Bible-Believing Christian’