Michael Webert has twice tried to repeal the law in Virginia
Swearing in public in Virginia has been a misdemeanour since the 19th century.
Despite this long tradition, Michael Webert, Republican state delegate and farmer, has twice tried to repeal the law banning public profanity.
However, his bill has been rejected in both the previous legislative sessions over fears that endorsing it would be seen as supporting swearing.
Mr Webert is hoping that the session of the Virginia general assembly that is due to open next month will make it third time lucky.
State law equates swearing with disorderly drunkenness. Just recently, Virginia police have reported hundreds of arrests for profanity and intoxication.
Mr Webert has repeatedly mentioned that his incentive for wanting to repeal the Virginia law came from his daily experiences on the farm.
State law equates swearing with disorderly drunkenness. Just recently, Virginia police have reported hundreds of arrests for profanity and intoxication.
Mr Webert has repeatedly mentioned that his incentive for wanting to repeal the Virginia law came from his daily experiences on the farm.
Said he, “When you’re working [with] cows and a 1,400-pound animal doesn’t do what you want it to, or steps on your feet, every once in a while something colourful comes out of your mouth,” he told The Washington Post. Four-letter words of that sort should be rebuked with nothing more than a reminder to wash out one’s mouth, he said.
Some jurisdictions in Virginia take this style of approach. In Virginia Beach, an Atlantic resort, a court struck down a local statute to enforce the anti-profanity law. Instead, the town posts signs discouraging swearing.
Some jurisdictions in Virginia take this style of approach. In Virginia Beach, an Atlantic resort, a court struck down a local statute to enforce the anti-profanity law. Instead, the town posts signs discouraging swearing.
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