OKLAHOMA CITY -
Parents tell their children not to swear. The Bible commands us
not to take the Lord's name in vain. And here in Oklahoma, title 21, chapter 36
of the state statutes goes a step further.
One sign posted at the state housing finance agency's building reminds the public that uttering such words would be breaking the law, because as it turns out, in Oklahoma
curse words are illegal in public places, in the presence of a female, and around
children under the age of 10.
"Clearly the law will never stand the first amendment challenge. I
just think there is no way it would hold and stand up in court," said attorney
David Slane.
The law calls for a $100 fine or time in prison, but Slane argues
it violates a person's freedom of speech and the statute is more than a century
old.
"I'm certain it fit perfectly, but the reality is this we are now
102 years past the time this was the law," Slane said.
Still, the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency posts the reminder to
anyone who steps inside the building.
"I'm surprised in today's day and age that anyone, a government
agency especially, would threaten someone with prosecution for their language,"
said Slane. "There are some old laws that clearly need to be cleaned up."
OHFA responded by saying "This statute may have been on the
books for a number of years, treating individuals with respect is never
outdated."
News 9 also found state law that restricts Oklahomans from
swearing in the name of God, Jesus Christ or the Holy Ghost. And that
punishment can result in a $1 fine.
