Australian Anti Swearing Law
Daktologist
Global Moderator
Only in Australia
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The aptly-titled "F... Walk'' saw up to 400 people - mainly teenagers - chanting profanities and calling for free speech, not fines in a march through the CBD yesterday.
New laws to come into effect on July 1 will allow police to issue $240 on-the-spot fines for people using language deemed to be indecent, disorderly, offensive or threatening.
The powers had been trialled for the past three years, but the Baillieu Government has passed laws making the blue language bans permanent from next month.
Proponents of the ban say instant swearing fines will free up the courts while sending a strong message on anti-social behaviour.
Some protesters were cheekily wearing a single letter on their shirt to spelt out profanities with fellow protesters as they walked, while others held banners calling for "free speech, not fines''.
The crowd was escorted by six police and most onlookers found the colourful language - including chants saying "f... you Baillieu'' - more amusing than offensive.
Critics of the laws say the legislation is just an attempt by the Ballieu Government to appear tough on anti-social behaviour, without addressing other problems such as binge drinking and security at train stations.
Reubin Williams, 23, who organised the event through Facebook, said the walk was designed to highlight the difference between swearing as a part of expression, and anti-social, offensive or violent behaviour.
"It's a freedom of speech issue," Mr Williams said. "I feel restricting people's language is unnesessary and the extent of the fine is ludicrous.
“You can swear without being a lout, and it doesn't mean we are going to be breaking windows or be violent,'' he said.
"If you do stub your toe and swear they can fine you for it, but that's not to say they will.
"Police are saying they're not using it for those circumstances, but they can and that's concerning.''
James Melton, 16, said he attended the rally to protect "free speech''.
"The Government already has too much control over our lives, so controlling what we can say is a step too far,'' he said.
Various parties, including members of Socialist Alliance and Resistance made speeches that strayed from the topic of swear bans and the nanny state into the war on drugs, poverty and housing.
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Comments
I have no idea what I just wrote, but I'm pretty pissed at the government.
That pretty much covers the entire spectrum of what people can possibly say.
They always get the short end of the stick. I remember when the australian governmnet put totse.com on their blacklist.
I'm sure meta is their government advisor.
Either the Victorian government is out of money or Ted Baillieu has lost his fucking mind, there is no WAY this is going to work in practice.Wait 'til people start appealing these fines in court, it's going to be an absolute fucking nightmare for the police force as well as the judicial system at large.
Court time, wasted.
Police resources, wasted.
Fucking ALP.
Seriously, J.Gillz should balls up and veto the fuck out of this before it gets out of hand.
What's going on with you guys?..
If you swear in the presence of a female or child, you can be charged. This law dates back when you could get hung for stealing live stock.
On the subject of rustling. Did you know it's still a hanging offense here. they never took it out of the system.