‘Offensive’ sign protected as free speech

PINEDALE (WNE) — A Big Piney resident’s large sign fastened to the front fence that says “F– Biden” is protected free speech, even if neighbors are concerned about the “offensive” F word. 
That was the consensus of the town’s attorney Doug Mason and Sheriff KC Lehr, which they presented to the Big Piney Town Council, at its Aug. 16 meeting. 
Town clerk Kristi Gray said five or six callers complained to town staff, and the sheriff said a deputy reportedly went to the house to check it out. 
The sign reads: “F– Biden and F– you if you voted for him.” 
Mayor Tyler Maxfield brought up the possibility of an ordinance, which Mason said would have “to be narrowly tailored” to avoid violating the sign poster’s freedom of speech. 
Maxfield said he hoped the resident might understand that the language offends some people. 
“I haven’t spoken with Deputy Winer yet,” Lehr said of the sign. “It’s worth a try. That’s a sticky one” because posting the F word is not a crime.”
“Even if he can X out the words,” Maxfield said. “See if he’ll reason with us.” 
The sign was still in place Friday afternoon, legible from the church parking lot across the street. 
 
This story was published on August 24, 2022.