What a waste: Pa. man sues township claiming free speech rights were violated over sewer sign
By APTuesday, September 21, 2010
Lawsuit: Pa. township’s vulgarity rule is garbage
PALMYRA, Pa. — A central Pennsylvania man accused of violating a township ordinance on vulgarity says the rule is a load of garbage.
David Kliss has filed a federal lawsuit against East Hanover Township claiming officials trampled his First Amendment rights by issuing him a zoning violation over signs he put up protesting a mandated sewer tie-in.
Kliss put up signs that read “$10,000 To Take A Crap.” He says he covered the last word with paint after the township told him he violated a zoning rule.
The suit claims the rule doesn’t adequately define vulgar. Attorney Aaron Martin tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that his brief cites a 1993 episode of Seinfeld in which “crap” is used four times in 15 seconds.
Township solicitor Scott Wyland declined comment, saying the matter is under review.
Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, www.philly.com
