Should freedom of speech have limits?
Racist speech is not, and should not, be a crime. It is illegal in certain circumstances, that is, when it creates a hostile work (or school) environment, or is done to discourage equal access to public facilities, but BEING a racist and TALKING like a racist is not, and should not, be a crime in and of itself. “Inciting to riot” generally should NOT be a crime (unless there is a specific act of violence specifically demanded — then, you can charge solicitation to murder or something else more concrete than “inciting to riot.”) The reason for this is, such a charge can be used unjustly. For instance, gay people marching to demand equal rights can be accused of “inciting to riot.” Speakers at peace rallies can be accused of “inciting to riot.” Black activists in the 1960s WERE arrested for “inciting to riot,” simply for being black people on white turf. Such laws have to be very, very narrowly drawn if they aren’t going to be used against peaceful people making unpopular speeches. In t
