Final answer:
Disorderly conduct refers to behaviors considered disruptive, which has included discriminatory applications against LGBTQ individuals, such as for drag performances. Legal cases like Cohen v. California have challenged broad applications of these laws. What is deemed disorderly can be highly context-dependent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Disorderly conduct, as referenced under RCW 9A.84.030, broadly refers to a range of behaviors judged as disruptive to public peace or order. Historically, this has been a catch-all ordinance that could be used discriminatively, such as actions taken against LGBTQ individuals exhibiting behaviors that authorities deemed disorderly. An example of this could be the police citing or arresting LGBTQ people for drag performances, where individuals wear clothing typically associated with a different gender.
The application of disorderly conduct laws has been a subject of legal scrutiny. In Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971), the Supreme Court held that states cannot make the public display of a single four-letter word a criminal offense on the grounds of a general tendency to disturb the peace, emphasizing the importance of specific and compelling reasons to justify such actions under the First Amendment.
The concept of what constitutes disorderly or deviant behavior is subjective and context-dependent. It varies by location, audience, and circumstances. Listening to music in public may be acceptable, while doing so during a court proceeding could lead to a contempt of court charge.