Is It Illegal to Flip Off a Cop in Kentucky? Here’s What the Law Says

By Rachel Greco

Published on:

Is It Illegal to Flip Off a Cop in Kentucky Here's What the Law Says

Flipping off a police officer in Kentucky is generally considered protected free speech under the First Amendment. A significant ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which covers Kentucky, upheld that such gestures do not constitute a criminal offense.

This ruling was influenced by a case involving a Michigan woman who was ticketed after giving an officer the middle finger, leading to a legal decision affirming that this act falls under free speech protections

However, there has been recent legislative movement in Kentucky aimed at criminalizing gestures or words perceived as insulting to law enforcement.

Senate Bill 211, which passed out of committee in 2021, proposed making it a misdemeanor to taunt or insult police officers with offensive gestures or language. This bill would classify such actions as disorderly conduct if they are deemed likely to provoke a violent response from a reasonable person

Critics of the bill argue that it could infringe upon First Amendment rights and lead to further legal challenges if enacted. In summary, while flipping off a cop is currently protected as free speech in Kentucky, proposed legislation could change this status, potentially leading to legal repercussions for such actions in the future.

SOURCES:-

  1.  https://103gbfrocks.com/middle-finger-police-kentucky/
  2.  https://reason.com/2021/03/05/kentucky-bill-would-make-insulting-a-cop-a-crime/
  3.  https://www.themarysue.com/kentucky-bill-no-insulting-cops/

Rachel Greco

Rachel Greco covers life in US County, including the communities of Grand Ledge, Delta Township, Charlotte and US Rapids. But her beat extends to local government, local school districts and community events in communities that surround Lansing. Her goal is to tell compelling stories about the area that matter to local readers.

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