Hate Speech

Hate speech is a type of speech which is racist and/or anti-Semitic.   The first amendment gives us the right to freedom of speech.   Anybody who has an issue with somebody or something can stand up and speak their mind.  Since the first amendment gives you the right to speak your mind hate speech is protected.  There have been many cases which have tried to ban the use of hate speech however there is a debate as to whether it is constitutional or not to ban it.  I found it interesting how many times the laws against speech are used to ban minority speech rather than the majority.  This is the case in Canada in which gay and lesbian speech is banned.  I honestly think that hate speech shouldn’t be banned.   I think our freedom of speech is very important.  I think people should have the right to say what they want as long as it isn’t a direct threat or incitement to violence or terrorism.  There is a fine line between being acceptable and being illegal.