Mass. town weighs fines for swearing in public

Member Center:

Mass. town weighs fines for swearing in public

Posted:

MIDDLEBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Washing one's mouth out with soap and water may not be a modern day answer to curbing foul-mouthed language, but Middleborough officials say taking a bite out of the wallet might just be the incentive people need to keep it clean.

The town meeting was scheduled to vote Monday on a proposal from the town's police chief to impose a $20 fine on public profanity.

Supporters say the proposal isn't meant to censor casual or private conversations, but instead crack down on loud profanity heard in downtown areas and public parks.

Middleborough has had a bylaw against public profanity since 1968, but it's rarely if ever been enforced because it essentially makes swearing a crime. The new proposal would decriminalize profanity, allowing police to write tickets as they would for traffic violations.

Local News <a href="http://www.wten.com/category/173731/-local-news">More>></a>Local NewsMore>>
Another public viewing for stolen jewelry
Another public viewing for stolen jewelry
Hudson Falls, N.Y. - At the Hudson Falls High School Sunday Police displayed what is left of more than 30,000 pieces of stolen items. Costume jewelry, heirlooms, and silverware still waiting to be foundMore >>
At the Hudson Falls High School Sunday Police displayed what is left of more than 30,000 pieces of stolen items. Costume jewelry, heirlooms, and silverware still waiting to be found by owners. Sadly Police say the higher priced items are gone.More >>
Local reaction to Lopez resignation
Local reaction to Lopez resignation
Albany, N.Y. - Assemblymen Vito Lopez has avoided a rare scheduled expulsion proceeding that could have taken place had he not resigned Saturday. Assemblymen John McDonald says it's a huge relief to knowMore >>
Assemblymen Vito Lopez has avoided a rare scheduled expulsion proceeding that could have taken place had he not resigned Saturday. Assemblymen John McDonald says it's a huge relief to know Lopez's time at the Capitol is over.More >>
Invention Convention celebrates student inventors
Invention Convention celebrates student inventors
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – One-hundred student inventor semi-finalists were celebrated during the Invention Convention 2013 awards ceremony. The convention is an annual student competition open to students throughoutMore >>
One hundred student inventor semi-finalists were celebrated during the Invention Convention 2013 awards ceremony.More >>
14th annual Albany History Fair explores faith, worship
14th annual Albany History Fair explores faith, worship
ALBANY, N.Y. – The 14th annual Albany History Fair at Westminster Presbyterian Church explored faith, worship and their impact on the Capital Region. The 2013 theme of the fair was "Faith, Spirit, Community."More >>
The 14^th annual Albany History Fair at Westminster Presbyterian Church explored faith, worship and their impact on the Capital Region.More >>
SUNY nanotech students receive diplomas
SUNY nanotech students receive diplomas
ALBANY, N.Y. – As New York's nanotechnology industry grows, 30 new students joined the workforce this weekend when they received diplomas from SUNY's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. TheMore >>
As New York's nanotechnology industry grows, 30 new students joined the workforce this weekend when they received diplomas from SUNY's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering.More >>
Runners race to live music during SPAC’s ‘Rock and Run’
Runners race to live music during SPAC’s ‘Rock and Run’
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Runners of all ages rocked out during the Saratoga Performing Arts Center's "Rock and Run" on Sunday. The yearly event held at Spa State park drew hundreds as 20 top local bandsMore >>
Runners of all ages rocked out during the Saratoga Performing Arts Center's "Rock and Run" on Sunday.More >>
Team Billy Ride & Walk for Research raises funds for brain tumor study
Team Billy Ride & Walk for Research raises funds for brain tumor study
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The 9th annual Team Billy Ride & Walk for Research, which raises funds for brain tumor study, kicked off Sunday in Saratoga Springs. Held in High Rock Park, the event is namedMore >>
The 9th annual Team Billy Ride & Walk for Research, which raises funds for brain tumor study, kicked off Sunday in Saratoga Springs.More >>
Assemblyman Vito Lopez to resign before he's expelled from Legislature
Assemblyman Vito Lopez to resign before he's expelled from Legislature
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A New York assemblyman accused of sexually harassing young women staffers for years says he will resign before he's expelled from the Legislature. Assembly Speaker Sheldon SilverMore >>
A New York assemblyman accused of sexually harassing young women staffers for years says he will resign before he's expelled from the Legislature.More >>
Honor Flight kicks off at Albany international Airport
Honor Flight kicks off at Albany international Airport
COLONIE, N.Y. -- Thanks to community support, some local WWII veterans were able to fly to the nation's capital this morning to see a memorial dedicated for their service. NEWS CENTER's Mark Baker emceedMore >>
Thanks to community support, some local WWII veterans were able to fly to the nation's capital this morning to see a memorial dedicated for their service.More >>
Jackpot hopeful’s flock to local ticket hot spot
Jackpot hopeful’s flock to local ticket hot spot
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- Coulson's News Center tells the NEWS CENTER they've done more sales Friday than they would normally do for the lotto in one month, tons of people hoping to get their hands on the $600More >>
Coulson's News Center tells the NEWS CENTER they've done more sales Friday than they would normally do for the lotto in one month, tons of people hoping to get their hands on the $600 million Powerball jackpot.More >>

Mass. town weighs fines for swearing in public - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Mass. town weighs fines for swearing in public

Local News <a href="http://www.wten.com/category/173731/-local-news">More>></a>Local NewsMore>>

Another public viewing for stolen jewelry

Another public viewing for stolen jewelry

Local reaction to Lopez resignation

Local reaction to Lopez resignation

Invention Convention celebrates student inventors

Invention Convention celebrates student inventors

14th annual Albany History Fair explores faith, worship

14th annual Albany History Fair explores faith, worship

SUNY nanotech students receive diplomas

SUNY nanotech students receive diplomas

Runners race to live music during SPAC’s ‘Rock and Run’

Runners race to live music during SPAC’s ‘Rock and Run’

Team Billy Ride & Walk for Research raises funds for brain tumor study

Team Billy Ride & Walk for Research raises funds for brain tumor study

Assemblyman Vito Lopez to resign before he's expelled from Legislature

Assemblyman Vito Lopez to resign before he's expelled from Legislature

Honor Flight kicks off at Albany international Airport

Honor Flight kicks off at Albany international Airport

Jackpot hopeful’s flock to local ticket hot spot

Jackpot hopeful’s flock to local ticket hot spot

News

Weather

Video

Sports

NEWS10