Hate Speech

[MaxP]

Is it right to put a limit on speech where we find it unacceptable or offensive?
I realize hate speech laws have the best of intents, but if I want to say something hateful, should it be the governments job to stop me?
Does the first amendment apply only speech we find acceptable? that the government finds acceptable?
I find it ridiculous that some people can back the first amendment but at the same time punish speech they find horrendous. Whether it's awful or not, does the government have the right to restrict one of your basic rights?

 

[Jerrysworld]

Hate speech is a constitutional right.

 

[Belk]

Hate speech is speech that is intended to incite others towards violence against a group of people. Much like the famous case of shouting "fire" in a crowded theater, the courts have consistently ruled that free speech does not extend to the point of violence towards others. You are still free to launch into a tirade against any perfidious group of your choosing. Just so long as you don't tell people that they have to go kill and intimidate them.

 

[Jerrysworld]

Hate speech is speech that is intended to incite others towards violence against a group of people. Much like the famous case of shouting "fire" in a crowded theater, the courts have consistently ruled that free speech does not extend to the point of violence towards others. You are still free to launch into a tirade against any perfidious group of your choosing. Just so long as you don't tell people that they have to go kill and intimidate them.

It's already illegal to incite violence. Hate speech is about speech that offends people, like the n-word, or telling queers they're going to hell.

 

[LUColt27]

Hate speech is speech that is intended to incite others towards violence against a group of people. Much like the famous case of shouting "fire" in a crowded theater, the courts have consistently ruled that free speech does not extend to the point of violence towards others. You are still free to launch into a tirade against any perfidious group of your choosing. Just so long as you don't tell people that they have to go kill and intimidate them.

The problem is that it's apparently at the point where "hate speech" is used to define anyone's opinion who isn't in lock step with your own. Anyone who disagrees with another, particularly if the "offended" resides on the port side of the aisle, is labeled a hatemonger, racist, or bigoted. One has to wonder how we all got so thin-skinned.