Councils say bans help tackle anti-social behaviour. But critics argue restrictions are a heavy-handed curb on freedom of expressionWhen Salford ditched its ban on swearing last week, Mark Thomas’s reaction was apt. “Hoo fucking ray” the comedian tweeted, shortly followed by a “Whoo- fucking -hooo”.Introduced by the city council in 2016, the public spaces protection order (PSPO) outlawed “foul and abusive” language in Salford Quays, the former site of the Manchester Docks that has now been transformed by upscale developments. Offenders faced an on-the-spot fine, which could increase to £1,000. Continue reading…
Via: Polite society: why are British cities banning swearing?
Categories: English News