Join the conversation and tell us what you think. Citizens Project: Creating a community valuing diversity, equality, and religious freedom.

Shawna Kemppainen -

March 23rd, 2011 at 4:30 pm    

“If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.” Texas v. Johnson, 1989.

I think as long as one’s free speech doesn’t advocate violence or harassment of others it is their Consitutional right under the First Amendment to speak. Or, even, not to speak!

There is a major difference in passing hate crimes legislation, which gives appropriate weight to such criminal acts that aim to oppress a minority group, and in oppressing freedom of speech for those with whom we don’t agree.

mareli -

March 29th, 2011 at 12:04 pm    

Freedom of speech is paramount as long as it does not constitute slander or incite people to murder and mayhem. Freedom to speak does not entitle the speaker to injure another by revealing private matters or spreading rumors or lies.

iesha patterson -

April 11th, 2011 at 5:39 pm    

the only people who want this are also the same people who want segregation and racism to be allowed and open.why should hate speeches be protected?!? it says so all in it’s title.HATE speech,why is this question even being asked?!?!? it’s called hate speech just for the simple fact because the individual(s)who are making the comment feel that they need to broadcast their hate to everyone,including to the subject or people their aiming it at.so what happens when they say something to these people? of course those people will feel offended and want something done.but if a law is passed to protect hate speeches then what?.and if a law for hate speech was passed how much longer before a law on hate CRIME is allowed?

Ian -

April 19th, 2011 at 1:45 am    

“sticks and stones may break my bones, but word will never hurt me…” True, after yor hate speech causes teenagers to go commit suicide they dont feel a thing….. Lets ponder this a second, so its proven that kids who are bullied are more likely to commit suicide its proven that LGBT youth are 4 times more likely and 9 times if their parents are unsupportive. Trust me its not physical abuse thats making them resort to killing themselves, as someone who has been there in the middle of the night sitting and talking to these kids who feel hopeless, i know for a fact that its the words of those who are homophobic or just plain nasty and hateful. Free speech was a briliant idea, it allows for an amazing diversity of opinions, points of view, and its how we have progressed so far on a global scale. Its those few people who enjoy causing trouble, drama, violence, those who thrive on attention and the only way for them is to cause controversy, who make it necessary to make these laws. Think about it, if we didnt have trouble makers we wouldnt need a law saying that its illegal to yell “fire” in a movie theater.

Chris -

June 16th, 2011 at 2:09 pm    

All speech should be protected, period. If I’m feeling angry I want to know that I have the right to say exactly what I’m feeling using whatever words I choose. And as a human being, I do. No law can take that away from me, or you! And as repugnant and disgusting as some people’s opinions can be, still, they’re just speaking their minds. And they have the right to do so. And you have the right to speak back! That’s the whole point to freedom of speech. It can never be taken from you!

Dave -

July 20th, 2011 at 10:49 am    

Absolutely, hate speech should be Constitutionally protected speech.

It’s more important than just protecting a vital Constitutional right, however. It’s very informative to hear and read what people are actually thinking, because it’s those deepest thoughts that affect which politicians they favor and which policies that they support.

Moreover, if we open the door to criminalizing hate speech, how long would it be before religious dissent would be criminalized as hate speech, on the basis that the dissenter “hates God?”

A major Religious Right group has already demanded that the FCC impose and enforce the equivalent of an anti-blasphemy law on a similar basis. My scenario, therefore, is not that far-fetched.

LokiLyesmith -

November 6th, 2011 at 1:01 pm    

Well, let us try a practical experiment…

N_____, F_____, C____, S___, C___ K___.

Now lets see how long it takes for citizensproject.org to take this comment down. I bet it’s under and hour.

Free Speech is an illusion. It has never existed and it never will. Your free to say anything you like… as long as it conforms to currently held beliefs of those in power.

Citizens Project’s note: While we make every effort to allow unedited comments onto our blog, we have removed several slurs from this post. Citizens Project strives to create space in which civil, respectful discourse (even among people with diverse opinions) can take place. Although the author’s point is clear, we have removed language that is not compatible with this goal.

Megan -

January 23rd, 2012 at 10:22 am    

Just because you can say something doesn’t mean you should. Why should you degrade others if you don’t want it happening to yourself. Stop and think before you do something.

Joshua -

March 22nd, 2012 at 2:27 pm    

“Just because you can say something doesn’t mean you should.” I agree. We need to THINK before we speak.