A man in Georgia was convicted of Disorderly Conduct for flipping his pastor the bird during their Sunday service. The Georgia Supreme Court then overturned the conviction because he is constitutionally protected under the First Amendment. (Read the Opinion Here)
This begs the question; can I get in trouble in Minnesota for flipping the bird? The answer is possibly. Georgia’s Disorderly Conduct law is different than it is here in Minnesota. According to Minnesota Statute § 609.72, when a person has “reasonable grounds to know that it will, or will tend to, anger or disturb others” they can be convicted of Disorderly Conduct. Does giving someone the middle finger rise to the level of Disorderly Conduct? This case suggests it is protected speech under the First Amendment. But Our best advice when the Minnesota nice wears off, keep that finger tucked away.