Current Events > New proposed bill could result in jail time for calling someone a bitch.

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Calling someone a 'bitch' in Massachusetts could lead to jail time under new proposed bill

Calling someone a 'bitch' in Massachusetts could lead to a six-month jail term and a hefty fine, under legislation proposed by a Democrat lawmaker in the state this week.

The bill, H3719, was put forward by state representative Dan Hunt and states that the word should be considered a disorderly conduction violation when it is used in an attempt to "annoy, degrade or demean the other person".

The offence, which comes under the section criminalising "night walkers" and "indecent exposure", is punishable by a fine of up to $150 (116). Repeat offenders can be punished with up to six months in prison and/or a fine of $200.

The proposal has prompted ridicule among the state's Republican Party, which mockingly congratulated Democrats for "fearlessly taking on the biggest problems" facing the country.

It urged supporters to attend the first hearing of the bill, which was held at the state legislature in Boston on Tuesday, to argue against curbs to free speech.

Others have highlighted how the bill could run foul of the US constitution, which protects freedom of speech, predicting that even if the bill were to pass it would be knocked down in court.

The bill's supporters have stressed that the legislation would not ban all use of the word outright, but instances where it is used in a demeaning manner.

No action has yet been announced by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary which held the hearing, but according to local media reports a vote on the bill is scheduled for February.

Mr Hunt has hit back at the jibes and defended putting the proposal forward, explaining that one of his constituents had asked him to introduce the bill.

"While this specific instance may amuse some and alarm others, it remains an important process for self-representation," he said in a statement.

A community service worker, Takiyah White, told a news organisation that she was the constituent who had asked Mr Hunt to file the bill. I hear the word used every day, and Im hurt by it, she told website InsideSources.

She added that a legal penalty on the word was necessary, saying: Simply telling people they shouldnt speak that way is not good enough. At the very least, using that word is harassment.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/23/calling-someone-bitch-inmassachusetts-could-lead-jail-time-new/

As a non-American, I just realised that New England isn't England. >_>
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This would go against the first amendment.

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lol
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Rofl

does he look like a bitch?
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Freedom Of Speech?

If that passes I predict the other word that starts with C will rise in use.

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Ex-Kefiroth posted...

Cheater87 posted...

This would go against the first amendment.

This.

Also this only adds fuel to Republican fire.

How dumb can you be

so they're proposing sending people to jail over a word because of one oversensitive bitch?
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St0rmFury posted...

As a non-American, I just realised that New England isn't England. >_>

lol and they say americans are ignorant of geography.

and if this somehow became law, and manage to pass constitutional muster, we all know it would be unequally enforced against a certain demographic.
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What a bitch-ass bill.

St0rmFury posted...

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/23/calling-someone-bitch-inmassachusetts-could-lead-jail-time-new/

As a non-American, I just realised that New England isn't England. >_>

Wait til you hear about New York!

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When you realize that a comedy skit is actually dystopic fiction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LGEiIL1__s" data-time="
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This doesn't seem all that enforceable...
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AlisLandale posted...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LGEiIL1__s" data-time="

lmao
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Massachusetts is a two party recording consent state. One of the few moronic states in the country to still have this.

I don't see how it can be ever proven it was said. If you record the other the person without their permission, you're actually committing a felony punishable by 2+ years in jail (which is stupid as fuck btw).

St0rmFury posted...

A community service worker, Takiyah White, told a news organisation that she was the constituent who had asked Mr Hunt to file the bill. I hear the word used every day, and Im hurt by it, she told website InsideSources.

So, she's the target of the word. Has she tried not being a bitch?
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InfinityMonster posted...

Massachusetts is a two party recording consent state. One of the few moronic states in the country to still have this.

I don't see how it can be ever proven it was said. If you record the other the person without their permission, you're actually committing a felony punishable by 2+ years in jail (which is stupid as fuck btw).

Only applies when there is an expectation of privacy. There is no expectation of privacy in public spaces, you can record whatever you want.
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This is a stupid bill and a waste of everyone's time.
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1. This is stupid and won't go anywhere.

2. Why not start with actual racial slurs if you're doing this?
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AlephZero posted...

InfinityMonster posted...

Massachusetts is a two party recording consent state. One of the few moronic states in the country to still have this.

I don't see how it can be ever proven it was said. If you record the other the person without their permission, you're actually committing a felony punishable by 2+ years in jail (which is stupid as fuck btw).

Only applies when there is an expectation of privacy. There is no expectation of privacy in public spaces, you can record whatever you want.

No, it's illegal unless both parties consent. You have to make it obvious the recording is occurring, in which case, the other party is not gonna be screaming "bitch" if they're aware.

(Posting to fix "unread posts" error that occurs on my app if the most recent post in a topic is from someone who has me blocked)
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pls god no. Even in the professional world, "bitch" gets thrown around a ton here in Boston.

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Non-USA here
How does this violate the first amendment? Wouldn't the law cover only if it's verbal assault
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/10/23/why-lawmaker-floated-bill-penalize-use-profane-word-that-rhymes-with-witch/

So apparently someone in his district asked him to make this bill, which is something that can happen in Massachusetts.

Im curious why he decided to do it though.
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State Rep Dan Hunt is a bitch.
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ThePrinceFish posted...

State Rep Dan Hunt is a bitch.

Off you go.
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Celestial_Red posted...

Why not start with actual racial slurs if you're doing this?

This, seriously. A lot more words that should be banned, rather than "bitch".
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Fucking stupid

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St0rmFury posted...

ThePrinceFish posted...

State Rep Dan Hunt is a bitch.

Off you go.

he's getting hauled to the big house.
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Okay let's get real now

It's getting more and more embarrassing to be a US citizen these past few years, I can only imagine how other people from other nations look at us and think anymore. We're the laughing stock of the world now. What the fuck happened?
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MabusIncarnate posted...

Okay let's get real now

It's getting more and more embarrassing to be a US citizen these past few years, I can only imagine how other people from other nations look at us and think anymore. We're the laughing stock of the world now. What the fuck happened?

We're probably just obese whiny children to most countries by now
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Is Massachuasets a different way of spelling Gamefaqs?
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With the shape of today's political climate, I wouldn't be surprised if it actually passes. There are many people who want to get rid of free speech.
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Does this have any realistic chance of passing? I often think most bills like this get brought to life mainly so politicians can act like they are doing something.

darkmaian23 posted...

Does this have any realistic chance of passing? I often think most bills like this get brought to life mainly so politicians can act like they are doing something.

Look at how many people these days put feelings before rights.
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Calling someone a bitch could get you sent to jail where your lonely cellmate may want to make you their bitch.

pls posted...

darkmaian23 posted...

Does this have any realistic chance of passing? I often think most bills like this get brought to life mainly so politicians can act like they are doing something.

Look at how many people these days put feelings before rights.

Yeah it's a fucking joke. I'm kinda pissed that I have to live in a world with people that "feel uncomfortable" over every little petty thing >:(
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MabusIncarnate posted...

We're the laughing stock of the world now. What the f*** happened?

People gave up the idea of being a "melting pot" of multiple cultures and decided instead to go with "if you're not like me, go fucking die in a fire."

The problem with the US currently is plain and simple. It's run by racist bigots.
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pls posted...

With the shape of today's political climate, I wouldn't be surprised if it actually passes. There are many people who want to get rid of free speech.

Baker will veto it if by some weird off chance it actually did pass.

This moron Dan Hunt must be from out of state though and not familiar with the area. The best way to get someone from Boston to do something is to tell them they aren't allowed to do it. Once this goes public he will literally have everyone he walks by on the street calling him a bitch. And this woman thought she heard the word bitch to much before? She ain't seen nothing yet after this bullshit.
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Gamerguymass posted...

pls posted...

With the shape of today's political climate, I wouldn't be surprised if it actually passes. There are many people who want to get rid of free speech.

Baker will veto it if by some weird off chance it actually did pass.

This moron Dan Hunt must be from out of state though and not familiar with the area. The best way to get someone from Boston to do something is to tell them they aren't allowed to do it. Once this goes public he will literally have everyone he walks by on the street calling him a bitch. And this woman thought she heard the word bitch to much before? She ain't seen nothing yet after this bullshit.

That's a good point. Baker is sensible. I don't always drink Republican, but when I do... I prefer Charlie Baker. Stay thirsty, my friends.
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