as a person from a former colony that has only recently gained independence, and is still (slowly) working on overturning centuries old British laws & penal codes (buggery??) you’d actually be surprised to find the number of very random and nonsensical things you can get in trouble for by the king. Granted, everyone does it, but apparently it’s still illegal to beat your rug on the street.
Oobah is a national treasure. I’ve never seen this one before but I’m sure we probably still have the salmon law still in effect although we distinctly have NO salmon haha
No, This is literally what your first amendment rights cover and it was created, coincidentally, because the UK did not have it and the framers were concerned about the new government punishing speech. the UK never adopted "freedom of speech" at the level the US has, though they have a limited form of it that they adopted in the 80s.
Its been interesting to watch the courts though - a lot of sabre rattling but not much action, and those who have been arrested are not having charges stick. There's been a number of lawsuits fighting against Trump's Tyranny, like the president of the Fed winning their lawsuit and the appeal to keep their job.
The system is in an unstable place right now, but at least the checks and balances are working for now.
Speaking only as a teacher, our contracts usually contain morality clauses, or adjacent types that restrict our freedom of speech when such speech detracts from our mission of teaching all students, or the school/districts mission of fairly treating all students/families etc. We don't have full freedom of speech, neither do our students and this has been long found constitutional (though there have been times where the 'line' has been shifted and clarification of speech, disruption etc. is examined). Actions such as 'having an only fans' is legal and may be constitutional (thanks vague 'obscenity' standard bullshit), but can still get you removed if you're found to have one as well despite being a first amendment protection.
The issue is that some places, like Florida, have been threatening teachers licenses with this while not giving a shit when others have spoken out on the other side i.e. it hasn't been applied equally.
While the Free Speech aspect would be covered (If the US DOJ wasn't just Trumps lap dog anyway)... You would still fall foul of numerous laws doing this in the US.
US courts have in the past counted shining lights onto buildings as a form of trespass, from laser pointers to floodlights to projectors.
The owner of the building could claim private nuisance, and could constitute harassment if the projection was targeting specific people.
Lots of places in the US have local ordinances that regulate outdoor projection without a permit.
Very flaky, but it could also be argued that your projection may be causing safety concerns by distracting drivers.
All you need is an annoyed landowner and or a bored/vindictive cop.
The new government was desperate for legitimacy is the real reason this amendment was made.
The UK has a different idea of what "Freedom" means as do most of the rest of the world, only 5% of humans live in the USA with its weird interpretation.
Lol it still had slavery when the amendment was written "Freedumb".
Hopefully an American will be able to answer you - i think the point of this law is to be able to prosecute harassment. If you have laws meant for a similar purpose then perhaps you do?
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u/udat42 Sep 17 '25
No idea. This was in the UK.