00:00A sign, or two, of a future where those in Margate could fall foul of foul language.
00:09That's what the Free Speech Union fears a new public space protection order
00:15designed to reduce anti-social behaviour could mean for the area.
00:20With the group announcing plans to take Thanet District Council to court
00:25over restrictions on abusive language and public humiliation.
00:31I can understand why Thanet District Council want to do something about anti-social behaviour
00:35in places like Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs.
00:38But they're going about it in such a cat-handed way.
00:42I mean, they're using a blunderbuss to shoot a gnat.
00:46The leader of the council did not wish to comment when I called him this morning.
00:51You can see his face plastered on the Free Speech Union's rolling billboards
00:56showing their disdain for this so-called swearing ban.
01:00You and I both know that Thanet hasn't banned swearing.
01:03What it says in our PSPO is about swearing an abusive language
01:07which causes alarm and distress to other people.
01:10That's a bit different.
01:12This social media clip of Rick Everett was posted last Friday
01:17when clarifications to elements of the PSPO were put in place.
01:22But despite these changes, critics still argue it's the bad language of the PSPO
01:28that makes it unworkable.
01:30With worries it's too vague and wide-reaching.
01:34I don't understand the methodology behind it personally.
01:37It feels like the intentions are right
01:40but the actual direction they're going is almost performative.
01:44I understand wanting to make things safe for the family
01:47but I think every normal person that comes to a beach or goes out in public
01:51knows that you might hear a little bit of cursive language.
01:54And I do think it's going too far.
01:56And I just also, how will it be policed?
01:59I think there's bigger fish to fry.
02:01You know, I think there's more to be concentrated on.
02:04Thanet District Council swears its so-called swearing ban
02:08will make the area better for families and tourists.
02:12But if they want to avoid a high court fight,
02:15they'll have until the 14th of August to respond.
02:19Only then will we know whether it's curtains on cursing.
02:24Only leader in Margate.
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