The League of Iowa Human & Civil Rights Agencies

IOWA CITY - A juvenile curfew -- touted by many as a way to fight crime on the southeast side but decried by others as a city-wide punishment for the actions of a few -- received its final stamp of approval Monday. After a months-long debate that divided neighbors and council members alike, the Iowa City Council passed the curfew into law with a 4-3 vote and little further discussion.  Mike Wright said the council had debated the idea "substantially" and that there was nothing to add to the discussion before casting his vote for the curfew alongside Connie Champion, Matt Hayek and Mike O'Donnell. The curfew calls for children 13 and younger to be home by 10 p.m., 14- and 15-year-olds by 11 p.m. and 16- and 17-year-olds by midnight. Exceptions will be granted for those accompanied by an adult or those taking part in late-night school, work, church and political functions.

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