Westboro Baptist Church protests in Joplin, MO

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DZTurtle11

I repeatedly stated that this is my opinion to make the point that I'm not trying to debate the US Constitution. While I'm sure if I really felt the need I could quote this or that to make a point, that's not what I'm getting at. I'm just stating my opinion on the matter.

I get that. Really, I do. I'm just pointing out that your opinion is does not reflect the way the First Amendment is interpreted by the courts. While you very well may hold the opinion that the First Amendment should be interpreted differently, the reality is that it is not. And in my opinion, it's a cop-out to say "I'm stating my opinion, not debating the Constitution." You're stating your opinion about a constitutional right. Own it and go for it.

My opinion is that it is a good thing the First Amendment isn't interpreted consistently with your opinion. A right of free speech that fails to include speech the majority finds deeply offensive is a meaningless right.

And by the way, as for it not being considered hate speech, laws criminalizing hate speech are unconstitutional, because they violate the First Amendment.

Originally Posted by Regina.George

already said how we stop them. We (including the media) need to ignore them. Attention is what drives them. We are all guilty of feeding this beast.

Exactly.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

And by the way, as for it not being considered hate speech, laws criminalizing hate speech are unconstitutional, because they violate the First Amendment.

Besides all the other stuff you said, which I of course agree with because you're MC and awesome, I REALLY agree with this (as do our courts). The anti-hate speech laws in Europe don't really end up feeling all that different from anti-blasphemy laws elsewhere. I'd rather suffer through WBC and Neo Nazi groups and the like than ban speech.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

The anti-hate speech laws in Europe don't really end up feeling all that different from anti-blasphemy laws elsewhere. I'd rather suffer through WBC and Neo Nazi groups and the like than ban speech.

Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition!

Having never lived through this sort of thing we just can't comprehend how incredibly awful the concept of having things you SAY be a CRIME really is. I'll take WBC making idiots of themselves any day.