NATION IN BRIEF : NEW YORK : Ruling on Subway Begging Appealed

The chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority said the MTA is appealing a judge’s decision that struck down a rule against panhandling in New York subways. Begging “lends an air of disorder,” said Robert Kiley. U.S. District Judge Leonard Sand then issued a partial stay on an injunction that barred the MTA from enforcing the rule. Sand reinstated, pending the appeal, one of his earlier orders that allowed begging in the subway system except on subway cars, narrow platforms and 25 feet from token booths. Kiley said he believes Sand erred when he ruled that begging in public places is free speech, protected by the First Amendment.