WTF? British parliament plans to criminalise squatting

[malaise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/01/parliament-square-squatters-protest
<snip>
At least 12 people were arrested after protesters staged a demonstration outside the Houses of Parliament over plans to criminalise squatting. About 150 people gathered in Parliament Square in Westminster shortly after midnight, according to reports.

The majority of protesters moved away from the scene peacefully, but about 50 people refused to leave, claiming they were holding a Halloween picnic, it was reported.

Politicians are due to debate the legal aid, sentencing and punishment of offenders bill on Tuesday, which proposes that squatting be made a criminal offence.

Demonstrators claimed they were attempting to stage a "mass sleep-out" on Parliament Green over proposals to criminalise squatting in residential buildings contained in the bill.

[Ichingcarpenter]

1. So it really means protesting too close to Parliament?

Under section 132 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (Socpa), organising or participating in an "unauthorised" demonstration within 1km of parliament is a criminal offence.

That's what I got out of it.

[dipsydoodle]

3. That was just a side issue.

.

[dipsydoodle]

2. More here

Squatting is not currently a criminal offence in England and Wales and instead it is up to the owners to use the civil courts to enforce their rights, which can turn in to lengthy and expensive legal battles.

They must prove to the courts that they are either a ''displaced residential occupier'' – someone who has returned from holiday to find squatters in their house – or a ''protected intended occupier'', who is intending to move into an empty property.

In contrast, squatters are also protected by law, including the Criminal Law Act 1977, which prevents a home owner forcing their way back in because it makes it an offence to use violence to gain access when there is someone on the premises who is opposed to entry.

They can also take advantage of the controversial law on "adverse possession", which can allow someone who has occupied a building for 10 years to claim ownership of it.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/8861660/Twelve-arrested-outside-Parliament-over-protest-to-outlaw-squatting.html

So - what happens in the US with regard to paras 2 and 3 ? Do owners just "put up with it" if they have returned from holiday to find their house occupied ? Do the owners pay their own court costs whilst the squatters get legal aid ?