AUSTIN (KXAN) — Opponents of Austin’s public camping ban surrounded City Hall with tents Friday night to protest the ban.

The protest comes in response to voters who chose to pass Proposition B, which reinstates the camping ban and reintroduces a criminal penalty for violators. It was adopted with 57% of the votes.

The city of Austin has since said the ban will go into effect May 11.

On Saturday morning, City Hall was still surrounded by tents after protesters apparently slept inside overnight.

Signs reading ‘criminalization kills, housing for all’ and ‘what would the city council do without their houses?’ were placed on some of the tents.

City Manager Spencer Cronk told council on Thursday that the new law passed by voters will be gradually implemented and carried out in a safe and humane manner.

“City staff are currently working to develop a phased implementation of the camping ordinance beginning with its effective date of May 11, with a focus on health, safety and connection. to services where possible,” a city spokesperson told KXAN in a follow-up. email Friday.