Hate Speech

[Iron Man]

What is y`alls opinion on hate speech, and should it be protected under the first amendment?

[Amnesiac]

No such thing. The First Amendment, in a broad sense, protects all speech that isn't deliberately threatening towards other individuals or groups. Saying you hate so-and-so ethnic group isn't the same as threatening bombings of their establishments.

[ShyGuyInChicago]

No such thing. The First Amendment, in a broad sense, protects all speech that isn't deliberately threatening towards other individuals or groups. Saying you hate so-and-so ethnic group isn't the same as threatening bombings of their establishments.

This

[Sith Lord 13]

I believe it's protected, but I also believe it should be considered fighting words, that is, you have the right to say it, I have the right to hit you for it.

[Amnesiac]

I believe it's protected, but I also believe it should be considered fighting words, that is, you have the right to say it, I have the right to hit you for it.

Literally hit? Because that's isn't protected.

[Korashk]

I believe it's protected, but I also believe it should be considered fighting words, that is, you have the right to say it, I have the right to hit you for it.
That's not what "fighting words (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fighting_words)" means...

[Sith Lord 13]

Literally hit? Because that's isn't protected.

I feel it should be.

That's not what "fighting words (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fighting_words)" means...

Not as defined there, and since I can't find a source online to back up the definition I'm familiar with, I'll withdraw the use of that term. My general point still stands.

[ShatteredWings]

No such thing. The First Amendment, in a broad sense, protects all speech that isn't deliberately threatening towards other individuals or groups.
which is what hate speech is.

[Amnesiac]

which is what hate speech is.

In law, hate speech is any speech, gesture or conduct, writing, or display which is forbidden because it may incite violence or prejudicial action against or by a protected individual or group, or because it disparages or intimidates a protected individual or group.

I guess it depends. Some hate speech is just "intimidating", while some is deliberately threatening. There's a fine line here between free speech and illegal speech, and it must be respected.

I feel it should be.

Why? Isn't counter-protesting enough? "An eye for an eye"? (Not saying I endorse that particular phrase, such as on the topic of capital punishment.)