Republicans and Democrats are often divided on heated issues at the capitol in Richmond. But some lawmakers from both parties are coming together on one issue -- legalizing swear words.
Gosh darnit, swearing should be legal in Virginia. That’s something lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are agreeing on this year.
Central Virginia Republican Delegate Michael Webert says he wants to protect free speech and ditch a part of Virginia’s code that the Supreme Court has already found unconstitutional. “Technically if you walk in front of a police officer and swear, which since we’re going on the radio I’m not going to mention any of those words.”
Democratic Delegate Dawn Adams says her constituents in Richmond don’t even know they’re technically breaking the law. “I live in the Fan. People swear and spit regularly on the street. I don’t think people are aware that it’s against the law. The problem is if they are discriminately enforced.”
Discriminately enforced to break up a protest or a demonstration, for example. Or to target people of color. Webert and Adams both say Virginians should have the right to swear without fear of being harassed by police.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
