I don't know if it is still enforceable (I assume it is), but you could get arrested for swearing in earshot of a police officer. I don't mean swearing at the police officer, just using foul language in his/her presence.
We have certain words you can't use over the airwaves (radio or TV) and you can be fined for using them. Do it enough and your Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license can be revoked. I've had an FCC license myself for about 15 years.
But it's a bit bizarre. If you say "G** D**m", they bleep the word "God" and allow the other. It's the combination that isn't allowed. I understand, but it's weird seeing the word "God" bleeped. I've heard "fart" bleeped, but you can say a LOT worse and it's okay. The rules are a a bit strange , but a lot more lax than they used to be, though.
In public, like out on the street, I'm not sure what the rules are. If there are any, they're definitely not enforced.
|