A Massachusetts lawmaker wants to outlaw saying the b-word to someone’s face.
The Boston Herald reports that Democratic Representative Daniel Hunt introduced legislation, to be heard by a committee this week, which would charge someone with a disorderly conduct offense if they use the word to "degrade or demean" another person. The fine would be 150-dollar for a first offense and six months in jail for subsequent offenses, plus a 200-dollar fine.
Other words along the same line are excluded like battleaxe and witch.
Victims or witnesses would be able to report the incident to police, who would then have to prosecute the misdemeanor.
Arline Isaacson, co-chairwoman of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus is against the bill. “While I detest the use of the B-word and the N-word and the word fag, etc., I love the Constitution more and question the constitutionality of bills like this. The concern is specifically about the right to free speech, including speech that I hate.”
Yesterday Hunt defended his bill on Twitter.
This guy is confused about how representation works. Under his theory anyone who lives in his district could say their crazy idea, like my theory that government should provide free ice cream to all citizens, and then he would have to write a bill up and propose it as a new law. His constituents elected him for several reasons including the idea that he had the discernment to hear all the voices and choose the best ideas. Now if he thinks a law banning words that are offensive is a good idea he probably needs to write a bill that bans the first amendment of the Constitution.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.