Penalty for offensive language???
By carpediem17
@carpediem17 (1315)
Singapore
May 31, 2011 8:48pm CST
Australia's state of Victoria is due to approve legislation to penalise persons who use offensive language in public. Penalty being a fine of A$240.00. This has got me thinking of how this can be enforced and as to the definition of "offensive language", whether spoken in jest, or spoken with intent to hurt. The courts of law would be busy with appeals made by people wrongfully charged!
I am not sure what triggered this legislation but do you think that this is a good way to penalise persons for this 'offence'?
I feel that for the long term, it is better to start educating or re-educating the young in schools so as to inculcate good manners and behaviour. Even running contents or competition so that the whole state (if not nation) be constantly reminded of having these good traits. Leave legislation for the more serious stuff like drug misuse and guns possession.
What is your take on this?
6 responses
@ptower76 (1616)
• United States
1 Jun 11
Like you, I believe the government should focus on those things that truly affect the stability of our co-existence with others. But as a firm believer of co-existence, I will abide by the laws of the land I choose to live in. If it means not using language that may be offensive to others, que sera sera. It would bother me though because it is infringing on my civil liberties.
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
1 Jun 11
Hi, thanks for your reply. I guess people will be more cautious as to their language now that this awareness has been raised. But I wonder if the root cause such as courtesy, social behaviour etc. have been addressed or manifested in other ways.
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
2 Jun 11
hi elmiko, perhaps in time to come, the only people laughing their way to the bank is the government. Hopefully the revenue from these fines may be put to good use for the people and economy.
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
1 Jun 11
Wow.. that penalty is a lot of money. I do agree with that, people should not use offensive language at all- especially when kids are around. Some people are saying those words like they are just an everyday thing for them even though sometimes it can hurt others already. This should be implemented but first they should clearly state the boundaries of this.
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
1 Jun 11
I think the enforcement can be abit tricky. Not sure if warnings will be given first.
@rog0322 (2829)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
1 Jun 11
Hi car,
Offensive languages have been banned from the airwaves here. No radio announcer ever dare to say a single ***ing word on air or face legal sanctions. Directing any abusive language upon anybody can also be subject to legal action termed as "libelous" or morally degrading.
Anybody, for that matter, can file a suit for abusive or offensive language in public places, that is if one is willing to pursue the matter. Most often, they just let them pass as if nothing has happened.
Victoria may be a bit behind for that. We have it here since the Philippine Civil Code was passed many years ago.
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
2 Jun 11
hi rog, yup, i think language or the programme content for that matter on the airwaves is being monitored. Really need to look at the guidelines for the issue in Victoria!
@BalthasarTheRat (656)
• United States
1 Jun 11
Australia is the last place I expected this. It was an island of criminals for pete's sake, of course there is going to be cussing.
By the way, is "Crikey' a cuss word? And what if I see some bloody meat at the store and want to complain? I'll bet I can't ask for a bloody horror film at the rental shop either.
I may have to put off going to Australia until they get this straightened out.
I hope my bloody comments don't get my answer removed. It doesn't mean anything other than "covered in blood" here in the caves of Central Ohio.
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
2 Jun 11
well guess the country down under specifically those inhabitants in Victoria will be speaking the Queen's language real soon with this new legislation in place.
Ha, if uttered under your breath, my guess is that "Crikey!" should not be a cuss word but again, it really should be a case as to how far the enforcement of the new legislation goes.