Quote from: Thylacin on December 28, 2013, 12:13:36 PM
Well, no one in this thread, or who criticises bigotry, is against the constitution or freedom of speech. Dressing this up as a freedom of speech issue is absurd.
Well, people do have the right to say what they wish
as long as it doesn't escalate into action. Sure, if I hear someone making bigoted statements, does it make me cringe?
Of course it does.
BUT!
As long as someone making, say, a racist/homophobic/transphobic statement leaves it at that, then whatever. Words can not harm you physically. Emotionally & Psychologically? Yes.
Sure, you can make the claim that these thoughts are leading to actions, but it depends on the individual. I've had situations where someone called me a '->-bleeped-<-' but they did it from the safety of a moving car. Not once has someone walked up to my face and said it. (Not in my adult life, anyway.)
Are those types of word and statements deplorable? Yes. But if you restrict free speech for others, than you eventually end up restricting free speech for all somewhere down the line.
It is simply the ugly side of the 'free speech' coin and nothing more.