Lawsuit: Pa. township's vulgarity rule is garbage

[September 22, 2010]  PALMYRA, Pa. (AP) -- 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.

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Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.philly.com/

[Associated Press]

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