Michigan city bans being annoying in public

[December 20, 2008]  BRIGHTON, Mich. (AP) -- Ticking someone off could get you a ticket in one Michigan city.

The Brighton City Council on Thursday approved an ordinance allowing police in the Livingston County community to ticket and fine anyone who is annoying in public "by word of mouth, sign or motions."

The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus of Howell reports the measure is modeled on a similar ordinance in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak.

A city attorney says there could be situations where the measure would violate freedom of speech, but that those cases will be reviewed by the city.

The ban takes effect Jan. 2.

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Information from: Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, http://www.dailypressandargus.com

[Associated Press]

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