 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (October 2008) |
| Act of Parliament | |
 | |
| Long title | An Act more effectually to prevent profane Cursing and Swearing. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 19 Geo. 2. c. 21 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 4 June 1746 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repeals/revokes | |
| Repealed by | Criminal Law Act 1967 |
Status: Repealed | |
The Profane Oaths Act 1745[1] (19 Geo. 2. c. 21) was an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain passed in 1746, in effect from 1 June 1746, and formally repealed in 1967. It established a system of fines payable for "profane cursing and swearing".
The preamble described the ubiquity of the "horrid, impious, and execrable vices of profane cursing and swearing" in the country, saying that this "may justly provoke the divine vengeance to increase the many calamities these nations now labour under", and that the existing laws designed to prevent this were ineffective. Many of the provisions in this Act were essentially the same as those in the 1694 Act which it replaced.
- ^ a b The citation of this Act by this short title was authorised by the Short Titles Act 1896, section 1 and the first schedule. Due to the repeal of those provisions it is now authorised by section 19(2) of the Interpretation Act 1978.