F-bomb political signs not illegal, officials say

Three profanity-laced political signs on Highway W in the Town of Saukville have some people upset but local authorities aren’t likely to force the homeowners to take them down.

“F--- Biden: And f--- you for voting (for) him,” the signs say, referring to President-elect Joe Biden.

The red, white and blue signs, apparently professionally made, angered some passersby.

“I can’t see why this resident is allowed to display this profanity. It is visible for our children to see,” one person wrote in an email to Ozaukee Press. “I believe this sign will provoke an incident and result (in) negative publicity for Saukville.”

On Monday, Ozaukee County Undersheriff Christy Knowles said the Sheriff’s Office received one complaint over the weekend about the signs.

“We discussed enforcement action with both our District Attorney  and Corporation Counsel offices,” she said in an email. “We were advised that this falls within the boundaries of free speech. One of the signs was in the right of way and we will ask the property owner to move the sign onto their property. Other than that, there will be no further enforcement action taken.”

Village of Saukville Police Chief Rob Meyer said he had not received any complaints and if he did he would refer the person to the Sheriff’s Office since the properties are located in the Town of Saukville.

A similar incident occurred earlier this year in Fredonia when two homes displayed signs stating, “Stop the bulls----” and urged people to vote for President Donald Trump.

A complaint from at least one resident asked that the homeowners be cited, but the Fredonia Village Marshal and Sheriff’s Offices also called the matter an issue of protected free speech.