Despite passionate, and sometimes overwrought pleas from public speakers against the motion, Lowell’s City Council last night adopted an ordinance banning camping on public grounds throughout the city.

The vote to approve the passed by an 8-1 vote, with Councilor Wayne Jenness the only “No” vote. Councilors Sokhary Chau and Paul Ratha Yem were not in attendance and did not vote on the matter.

The vote came the same night the Brockton, MA City Council passed a similar “no camping” measure.

The discussion got heated on numerous occasions, as a number of the measure’s opponents hurled accusations at Lowell’s Legislative body. When the public speaking portion ended and councilors took their turns at the microphone, they were continuously interrupted from the gallery.

A few councilors, most notably Rita Mercier, Erik Gitschier and Corey Robinson took the opportunity to give it right back to the jeering protesters.

The measure (click here to view in its entirety) makes it “unlawful for any person to camp or maintain a Campsite or Camp Materials in or on any public property or in the public right-of-way, including but not limited to any street, sidewalk, school or public park, unless specifically authorized or during a Period When Shelter Is Unavailable.”

The ordinance goes into effect seven days after its passage, to permit any individuals located in any Campsite to remove Camping Materials in order to comply with the new directive.