Does the KKK have a right to Free Speech?

I think what this comes down to, for you, is the major difference between the way this issue is handled by the US and Australia. It's unlikely to be settled here, because it's natural for you to feel that the Australian way is best.

 

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Not only DO they have the right, but they also SHOULD have the right.

 

There's also laws that restrict freedom of speech, ie hate speech, slander, libel, fraud, inciting panic, etc.

 

So? Every country has those laws.

 

Sorry, I was posting in response to the person above me who quoted the second amendment. I was trying to point out that that particular amendment itself isn't the last word when it comes to free speech.

 

As there should be, and applicable to all.

 

Don't you think the KKK's credos count as hate speech?

 

It's not against the law to hate, so you would have to examine the context of the speech before it could be determined if or how any law may apply. I'm not familiar with the KKK's credo so you would have to display it before it could be commented on.

 

Actually, I've just learned a lot about the KKK by going to their website, and from what I can tell, their official stance has changed a lot over the years. It appears they no longer condone violence against minorities, and they seem to be trying to improve their image. Of course, they're saying a lot of things that are absolutely untrue, which personally pisses me off, but that's not illegal, so sure, they do have the right to free speech. It's not really even debatable, since they're not rallying for violence. I still consider it hateful, but I don't think it falls under "hate speech", if you know what I mean.

 

Every group no matter how hateful has a right to free speech, just like every group no matter how radical also have a right to free speech. That's one of the last things going for us here in the fact when it comes to free speech America is near on top as we let any jackass say near anything as long as it's not advocating violence.

*edit*
Also it's the first amendment, the second amendment is about guns.

 

So they should have the right because you're scared your rights might be taken away... See, deep down, your reasons are as 'selfish' as mine. And this is still a hypothetical question, so, all things remaining constant, why should the KKK have a right to free speech? I still haven't heard a reason why they should, only a reason why they do.

 

They should have the right to free speech because the government doesn't get to decide what's the "right" opinion. They're not the moral police, even though they act like it sometimes. Personally, I think it's bloody obvious that the KKK is full of crap and they should shut the hell up. That's my opinion. The government isn't allowed to have an opinion, because that's not what it's for. I'm anti-religion, and in my country most people are religious in some sense or the other, but I should still be allowed to speak against it even though I am in the minority. That's the point of free speech.

 

This forum alone is perfect reason why the KKK has a right to speak, otherwise 1/2 the asinine paranoid crap that gets posted here probably wouldn't be allowed either.

 

Ask my girlfriend, I'm literally cracking up over here.

 

Shazam, I did my good deed for the day.

 

Everybody has the freedom of speech and although I don't support what they do I think they have the right to burn crosses, wear their wierd outfits, and do whatever else Klan people do. I just wish they coulda kept things on a non-violent level.

 

Right, there is a difference between verbalising a hatred or dislike and taking it to physical levels, such as the burning of crosses.

Everyone should be entitled to freedom of speech, but there must be a limit as to what behaviour is defined as free.

 

There are other laws against starting a fire anywhere you want, especially on someone else's property. Arson is a serious felony in the US.

 

Well yes, I think that's a fair point to separate the two. I believe people should be entitled to freedom of speech, of course I wish they wouldn't spill hatred and anger to others, but it's their right. But, with certain groups this does go further - like the burning of crosses. Simple freedom to express their minds then becomes interlinked with criminal activity.

 

The right to free speech? Yes. Is there morality behind what they say and do and should they be saying/doing it? Absolutely not.