Current:Home > reviewsA city’s fine for a profane yard sign about Biden and Trump was unconstitutional, judge rules -SecureNest Finance
A city’s fine for a profane yard sign about Biden and Trump was unconstitutional, judge rules
View
Date:2025-04-13 09:15:59
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that a Tennessee woman has a constitutional right to post a yard sign with profane language condemning both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Julie Pereira set up a sign in her front yard saying “F--- ’Em Both 2024” — except, uncensored. The city of Lakeland, a northeast suburb of Memphis, then fined Pereira hundreds of dollars for violating its regulation against obscene content on signs.
She filed a lawsuit in June, saying she was so dissatisfied with both presidential candidates that she wanted a sign that “speaks simply and cogently for itself.”
U.S. District Judge Mark Norris in Memphis ruled Tuesday that Pereira’s political sign is not obscene, and the city cannot lawfully regulate people’s points of view.
“We are proud to have protected Mrs. Pereira’s right to express her political views and to have achieved a successful outcome in this important First Amendment case,” said Daniel Horwitz, Pereira’s lead attorney.
The judge’s order comes after the city agreed to a settlement paying Pereira about $32,000 for her legal fees and reimbursing nearly $700 in fines.
The city’s regulation prohibits signs with “statements of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character which would offend public morals or decency” and “statements, words or pictures of an obscene nature.”
Initially, Pereira censored her sign as local officials demanded by covering up one letter in the profane word, but within a week she removed the redaction. The city began fining her in January, so she covered up part of the word again to avoid further penalties, according to the lawsuit.
Pereira’s lawsuit said “cuss” words are not constitutionally obscene. The lawsuit — and the judge — pointed to a 1971 Supreme Court decision that overturned the conviction of a man in California who entered a courthouse wearing a jacket with a message against the draft that included profanity.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- EPA Thought Industry-Funded Scientists Could Support Its Conclusion that a Long-Regulated Pesticide Is Not a Cancer Risk
- Carrie Underwood Breaks Silence on Replacing Katy Perry on American Idol 20 Years After Win
- Yearly tech checkup: How to review your credit report, medical data and car recalls
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Second Romanian gymnast continuing to fight for bronze medal in Olympic floor final
- Feds say Army soldier used AI to create child sex abuse images
- Shop Coach Outlet’s Summer Steals, Including Bags, Wristlets & More up to 70% off, Starting at $30
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Former WWE champion Sid Eudy, also known as 'Sycho Sid,' dies at 63, son says
Ranking
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Brooke Shields Cries After Dropping Off Daughter Grier at College
- Taylor Swift shuts down rumors of bad blood with Charli XCX
- Lily Allen Responds to Backlash After Giving Up Puppy for Eating Her Passport
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Judge says 4 independent and third-party candidates should be kept off Georgia presidential ballots
- Philip Morris International is expanding Kentucky factory to boost production of nicotine pouches
- Man dies on river trip at Grand Canyon; 5th fatality in less than a month
Recommendation
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
Edgar Bronfman Jr. withdraws offer for Paramount, allowing Skydance merger to go ahead
Planned Parenthood challenges Missouri law that kicked area clinics off of Medicaid
Nationals' Dylan Crews makes MLB debut on LSU teammate Paul Skenes' heels
Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
Man charged in Arkansas grocery store shooting sued by woman who was injured in the attack
Rob “The Rabbit” Pitts, Star of Netflix’s Tex Mex Motors, Dead at 45 After Battle With Stomach Cancer
First rioter to enter Capitol during Jan. 6 attack is sentenced to over 4 years in prison