A Texas sheriff tried to fine a woman for having an anti-Trump bumper sticker
File this under ways 2017 continues to be a nightmare. A Texas sheriff threatened to fine a woman for having a “Fuck Trump and Fuck You For Voting For Him” bumper sticker on the back of her truck. The irony seems to be lost on Sheriff Troy Nehls, a Republican, who is actively trying to limit someone’s freedom of speech — Trump supporters and Republicans have lately been the most vocal supporters of “free speech.”
In a now-deleted Facebook post, Nehls addressed the issue with the “offensive display.”
“I have received numerous calls regarding the offensive display on this truck as it is often seen along FM [Farm to Market Road] 359″ he wrote on Facebook. “Our Prosecutor has informed us she would accept Disorderly Conduct charges regarding it, but I feel we could come to an agreement regarding a modification to it.”
Not surprisingly, the ACLU swooped in to mediate the situation.
“No, Sheriff Troy E. Nehls, you can’t prosecute speech just because it contains words you don’t like. The owner of this truck should contact the ACLU of Texas,” read the ACLU’s post.
Karen Fonseca owns the car and told the Houston Chronicle that she is routinely pulled over by police, and yet they find nothing to arrest her for.
However, it’s unclear if Fonseca ever did contact the ACLU. She was recently arrested on an unrelated charge of fraudulent use or possession of information.
When it comes to the bumper sticker, we think Fonseca will be fine. The Fort Bend County district attorney also told the Houston Chronicle that there was nothing about the bumper sticker that incited riot, disorder, or outrage catastrophic enough to warrant disorderly conduct charges.
During the 2016 election, Trump won 52.23% of the popular vote in Texas.