Lawyers would probably argue that the T-shirt’s slogan is a figure of speech/design/joke rather than an invitation, and that most sane people would know this, and therefore that the t-shirt’s slogan has no influence over the fact that indecent assault occured.
Which is a damn shame, as I would sure like to legally rub parts of big-breasted women in public!
Let it be known I have a shirt that says “BITE ME”, and I have been bitten more frequently while wearing that shirt than while wearing all other shirts combined. I have not intervened until it became painful beyond the pleasure point. But I did not and would not prosecute or retaliate.
I’ve wanted to wear a shirt that says “SHOOT ME I’M A SPY” as opposed to “Kiss me I’m Irish” or something like that. Some people have told me that I’m more likely to get shot while wearing it. I don’t know if they were joking or not, but my response is invariably: :rolleyes:
Just out of curiosity, what do breasts have to do with this? Are breasts located in the tummy now, as opposed to the chest? Why didn’t I get the memo?
Perhaps the “figure of speech” argument would work. On the other hand, even a brain-damaged lawyer could argue that not everyone is going to get the joke, therefore bringing us back to square one: the fact that the shirt is indeed an open invitation to anyone wishing to rub the young lady’s tummy.
Seems like it would be up to the judge and/or jury, really.
What about if the T-shirt read “I love New York” and it just so happened that this was the exact Lithuanian for “Fuck Me Now Big Boy” and the t-shirt wearer happened to innocently holiday in Lithuania…
IMO until you get a personalised, verbal invitation, I’d steer well clear.
“Rub my tummy for luck” I read as an implied command or directive with the associated permission granted. “Rubbing my tummy gives good luck” is merely a statement of fact and implies no permission. “For good luck, rub my tummy” is weaker, in that it does not direct the reader to rub in all cases.
The implied subject of the sentence is “You”, verb “Rub”, Object “Tummy”.
