I don't see why these are offensive these are not made for the "older" generation or people that don't have a sense of humor. as it's already being said if you don't like them don't wear them. and just get over it. they are out in the public and no one can change that.

This is got nothing to do with freedom of expression. He is selling a tee-shirt. If it is freedom of expression, you need to explain what it is he is trying to express.

No-one is saying he can't sell them. Or wear them. Just that there are certain standards society expects. Let us presume all of you have a child, nephew or niece, relative or some other loved one who is of kindergarten age. How would you feel if someone came and visited them wearing the shirt, or used the "F" word around them?

@Pricey: In answer to your question - the sort that think a bit about how other people feel and show a little compassion and tolerance.

I am not in the least offended by the shirts. But that is not the point. There is more to the world than just me.

@Shane888: I am offended by people who don't know how to use (or refrain from using) an apostrophe.

@Damien: Ain't research a great thing. What you meant to say was "Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so too". Common mistake. I've made it myself.

The more scandal you put into an arbitrary word, the more power it gains.

It's just harmless words on a stupid looking t-shirt and now this guy is going to sell out of them thanks council and the herald.

hahaha awesome :D

I'm starting to agree with the knockers out there....We really are a little country at the bottom of the world full of small minded puritanical plonkers...get a life, it's just a word, we hear it and see it everywhere...what's the big deal, get over yourselves. Good publicity over such a 'bad' word.

" New Plymouth District Council team leader environmental health Murray Clearwater said council received complaints about the shirts.

Bylaws prohibit displaying "objectionable" items and signs in public places.

While the store was private property, the front window displayed out to a public place so the council asked police to intervene, Mr Clearwater said."

He broke a Council Law. The Council asked the Police to investigate. The Police acted. End of story.........if there really was one in the first place.

BTW. Tony#54. Good post mate.

"Damien #47 09:08 am Sep 10 2010

To all those who are saying these shirts are crass, offensive, crude, rude, or whatever other description you want to put on it is completely missing the point. If I want to express myself in this or any other way I should be able to, our Bill of Rights affirms our right to freedom of expression."

true......to a point. But it doesnt mean it is right or legal. If my Freedom of Expression is to be naked 24/7, I am sure I would be arrested if I caught a bus to work this morning while naked (exercising my Freedom of Expression).

The Pastor in the US that is exercising his Freedom of Expression for hatred of Islam and by burning the Koran....but that doesnt mean it is right.

If a homophobic person walked our streets with a "All Gays should be shot" t-shirt on, it may be "Self Expression" but it should not be allowed or tolerated.

There are limits to "Self Expression" Damien. The F word t-shirt in this article, is just immature to me. A punk little 15yo might find it funny to wear. But anyone older that wears it just needs to grow up.

Very amusing!

Typical candy coated anarchism that exists in Taranaki.

The morality of the province is hardly being eroded by a t-shirt and if wearing a cute pink puerile shirt is as naughty as the modern middle class delinquent gets then the parents have probably got little to worry about.

It could be thought of as akin to a modern day equivalent of having your shirt untucked or your socks not pulled up.

As for the issue of having it in the shop window, if it’s a legal issue, the police are compelled to act. A line in the sand has to be drawn at some point when advertising to the public and obviously Phil has reached it....naughty :).

I think its appallaing to have that filth on the T-Shirts... Glad he got told

I think people need to look up the word. i have found a very informative video for you all to look at. go to youtube and type in 'History of the Word F__k' but spell it out correctly.

He can sell what he likes and I would suggest that given the feral nature of NP, the Police ought to have better things to do. Anywhere in NZ away from Aukland, Wellington, Chch and Queenstown is pretty much the Wild West, to be honest.

My favourite T shirts says "LORD - save me from your followers!"