A navy veteran has won the right to display a Trump and Biden sign saying “f— ‘em both” in her front garden, The Telegraph reports.
A Tennessee city had originally found her $700 for obscenity. However, a federal court has ruled in favour of her free speech, arguing it was protected by the US Constitution.
After expressing her disapproval of both presidential nominees in rather strong terms, 40-year-old Julie Pereira was fined hundreds of dollars by the city of Lakeland, Tennessee.
In January, Ms Pereira was first warned about the sign and decided to cover up one of the letters with tape to comply with the municipal code.
However, she later removed the tape. Pereira dared the city to fine her for what she claimed was an act of political speech.
Citing the municipal code which bans obscenities, the authorities subsequently fined her almost $700 – or £542.
Following her fine, Ms Pereira sued the city in federal court. She argued, that under the First Amendment of the US Constitution, she was entitled to express her opinion on a yard sign.
According to The Telegraph, “On Tuesday, the court in Memphis ruled in her favour, ordering the city to return her money and pay her $31,000 in legal fees, plus a dollar in damages”.
Reflecting on the debacle, Ms Pereira said she was pleased with the result but it was “unfortunate that it had to go this far”.
“I’m thrilled,” she said. “I think this is important as far as the Constitution goes and, as far as American citizens being able to have their right to free speech protected.”
As a result, the sign, reading “f— ‘em both 2024” is now back on display in her front garden. What’s more, Lakeland has been barred from taking any further legal action against her.
She said it would remain on display until later this year, when Americans will vote on their next president.
“It is still in my yard,” she said. “The election is not over until November.”
