Daniel Hunt, a Massachusetts State House Representative for the 13th District (parts of Boston and Quincy) has introduced legislation that would make it a civil infraction to use the word "bitch" if directed at or used to describe someone.
Boston Magazine reported on the matter, citing an earlier story by the Boston Herald. Hunt, a Liberal. was quoted as saying a constituent approached him regarding the word and its offensive nature in certain contexts and asked if the State representative would do something that could curtail its use.
Hunt's proposed legislation is actually an amendment to an existing law regarding "night walkers... street walkers," and, "disorderly houses".
This looks like another case of not being able to say something without someone getting offended. Once again, the right to express an opinion, albeit derogatory, is ending where one's feelings begin.
Where does this new law end? Is it a crime to call someone a "son of" one? Is there a "second-degree" charge if someone gets caught up in the heat of the moment? What if someone is in traffic and commits the civil infraction? Will others in the same traffic be called to testify if allegations are made? I'm not making a joke. I'm being serious. How will this be enforced?
Aren't the police saddled with enough petty offenses passed by Beacon Hill? It's a crime now to not have your headlights on if you're using your wipers. Don't forget about the other laws that are already on the books the police need to enforce. Some of these laws do actually hurt people bodily; not just their feelings.
There are plenty of issues larger than this one that require lawmakers' attention. You'd think they would focus on that. Then again, this is Massachusetts.
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