Brickbat: I Swear

Thanet District Council in England is reviving plans to fine individuals up to £100 ($134) for swearing in public spaces, following an attempt last year that was abandoned due to a threatened legal challenge. The proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) would cover towns like Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs. It aims to curb certain antisocial "activities," including "the use of foul or abusive language within the hearing or sight of any other person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby," with the council citing rising tensions and police struggles to maintain order. Councilor Heather Keen argues the measure "is not aimed at preventing free speech or swearing, but foul language that is such to cause fear, distress or alarm," but critics have expressed concern over potential free speech violations.