LAKELAND, Tenn. (WTVF) — A federal judge in west Tennessee ruled this week that a Lakeland homeowner who put up a political yard sign with an expletive expressing displeasure over the selection of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump as the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees will not be fined.
The sign, edited here, makes her message clear: “Keep both up in 2024.”
Watch the video above to hear why a Lakeland, Tennessee, homeowner decided to put up a political sign.
After Julie Pereria put the sign up in her yard, some of her neighbors complained to the city of Lakeland, which sent code enforcement officers, first issuing a warning about the sign, then issuing a citation for “prohibited signs or devices” and ordering the sign, which contained “expletives,” to be removed.
“I’ve always been a very expressive person, and that doesn’t just include communicating verbally, but also decorating our house for the holidays,” Julie says.
Julie’s not kidding: Last Christmas, she set up a display from the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” consisting of an inflatable RV decorated with the famous catchphrase (again, redacted) from the film: “Sh***er’s Full!”
The city sued Julie on this count as well, and while the city ultimately settled with Julie on that count, it took the political sign count to a judge, who ultimately ruled in Julie’s favor.
Her lawyer, Daniel Horowitz of Nashville, said while some of the language may be offensive, it is not necessarily obscene and argued in this case that it falls under the category of political speech, which is protected in the United States.
Or, as he put it:
“It’s a sacred American right to be able to tell politicians to (again, redacted) fuck off.”
The judge ordered the city of Lakeland to pay $31,000 in Julie’s attorney’s fees and awarded Julie a nominal $1 in damages for violating her First Amendment rights.
She’s in her 80s and legally blind, and the Franklin woman continues to crochet for those in need.
“An incredible story that proves everyone has something to contribute, regardless of age or personal challenges. Austin Pollack introduces Sylvia Mooney. At 80 years old, she’s not sitting still. Instead, she’s using her skills to create compassion for others, one stitch at a time. Her crocheted pieces are donated to nonprofits to help their homeless neighbors. You’ll be amazed that she does all this while facing serious health challenges. Bravo, Sylvia!”
-Lori Johnston
