ACLU Defends Cussing at Cops

Swearing is legal, but some institutions—including Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies—need a reminder, the ACLU tells the Philadelphia Inquirer. The organization is suing on behalf of two Pennsylvanians who were arrested and charged with scofflaw offenses for swearing in public; one of them called a police officer a "f---ing asshole." Both individuals were ultimately cleared, but the ACLU wants to change policies: Pennsylvania state police issued 750 citations for profane language last year.

"Unfortunately many police departments in the commonwealth do not seem to be getting the message that swearing is not a crime," says one ACLU lawyer. "The courts have repeatedly found that profanity, unlike obscenity, is protected speech. We will continue bringing lawsuits until this illegal practice is stopped."
(More profanity stories.)