“When I worked in the mines, I heard all kinds of languages ​​and all… I didn’t mind. What bothers me is when they use that one word over there and the kids live in the neighborhood, ”Litton said.

Litton said he reported the flags to city code enforcement, but was told there was nothing they could do about it because the flags, considered free speech, are protected by the First Amendment. He said it didn’t make sense to have signs like this when the city also painted murals around the city, attracting tourists and trying to beautify itself.

“It’s not a political thing. What it is is blasphemy, publicity, and they say it’s free speech, ”Litton said.

City attorney Wendy Cunningham said in an interview with The Southern that she did not believe the city would have the right to enforce an order against the rude signs.

“There is an ordinance on the books here. This is in reference to obscene and obscene posts, which are more about things of a sexual nature that would be considered obscene… It is not an order that is intended for this type of complaint, ”Cunningham said.

Mayor Mike Absher said it was an issue with the city about a year ago, but on the other side of the political spectrum. He said they knocked on the person’s door to communicate with them about the sign, and the person went to a local media outlet to complain and the situation worsened.