Should racist speech be controlled by the law?

205 replies

MrManager · 07/12/2010 18:56

Specifically the criminal law, i.e. should it be an offence (as it is now), or is freedom of speech too important?

OP posts:

funkingcart · 07/12/2010 19:16

As I heard said the other day

Every right has a corresponding limit on it

I have a right to play loud music

But my neighbours have a right to enjoy peace in their own home and not be disturbed by my noise.

Not sure what that contributes

FWIW I think it should remain illegal to incite hatred based on racial or religious grounds

BaroqinAroundTheChristmasTree · 07/12/2010 19:12

hmm not sure - inciting racial hatred can be pretty vile and bloody scary (especially when it then crosses over into "reality" - whereby people use those words that were spoken and commit violent acts based on the racist crap they heard).

catinthehat2 · 07/12/2010 19:04

Do you think laws against speeding control speeding?

catinthehat2 · 07/12/2010 19:03

I love all these laws, they give lawyers a job and lots of money. Are you a lawyer MrManager?

WomanOfAbjectMystery · 07/12/2010 19:02

Freedom of speech must trump all IMO. Racism is vile but expressing ideas out loud should be a fundamental human right.

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