Monday, October 11, 2010

Heavy metal fan charged over T-shirt

This happened in my home State of Queensland, where speech laws are rarely enforced. But I suppose there are limits even in Queensland. Note that it was a more general law than a speech law under which he was prosecuted. I do think the guy brought it on himself. He clearly intended to offend and that will always risk retribution
"A heavy metal music fan could face six months in jail over an allegedly offensive T-shirt. Alexsei Vladmir Nikola, 34, was due to appear in court this morning on public nuisance charges after Brisbane police officers allegedly saw him wearing the shirt on George Street on May 6.

The shirt allegedly featured the words "Jesus is a c---" in large letters and shows a picture of a semi-naked, masturbating nun.

The offence of public nuisance is characterised by behaviour that interferes, or is likely to interfere with the peaceful passage through, or enjoyment of, a public place by a member of the public. The charge carries a maximum fine of $1000 or six months' jail.

SOURCE

What he did certainly seems to be covered by what he was charged with.

Australia has no first amendment but the High Court of Australia does recognize a fairly broad right to free speech. I think even in America this guy would successfully be prosecuted under obscenity laws.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

"I think even in America this guy would successfully be prosecuted under obscenity laws."

Don't bet on it. Apparently, Australia has it's share of Russian immigrants also. I wonder if they get the same endless list of free govt handouts as they get here in the US.

BTW, all heavy metal lovers should be eradicated.

Anonymous said...

Yea, Anon 4:19 PM,

Decent Heavy Metal died along with Felix Pappalardi....R.I.P.

Anonymous said...

I think in most countries he could be prosecuted for displaying pornography to a minor, but not for the text.

And I'd fully agree with that. I've no problem with pornography per se, but I do have a problem with forcing it upon others, especially children.