Freedom Of Speech Vs Hate Speech

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Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right however not all expressions are protected by this right. Toby Mendel, the executive director for Centre for Law and Democracy explains, “It is not an absolute right, and it may be limited to protect overriding public and private interests, including equality and public order” (Hate Speech Rules Under International Law). An example of expression that is not protected is hate speech. Speech is considered hate speech based on three key aspects. These aspects are intent of exciting hatred, incitement, and context. Also hate speech can be words or images. Hate speech is also very complex and unique because it is greatly disputed all over the world about what is considered hate speech, what is not, and how …show more content…
This magazine was not seen as hate speech though because France abolished its old laws that made blasphemy a crime. Another example of this was reported by the New Yorker. In this article Stille explained how actress Brigitte Bardot was convicted and fined for writing that French Muslims were destroying our country. During this same time writer Michel Houellebecq was acquitted of his charges for saying Islam is the stupidest religion. Stille explains, “Bardot was clearly directing hostility toward Muslim people, and was thus found guilty, while Houellebecq was criticizing their religion, which is blasphemous, but not a crime, in France” ( Alexander Stille, New Yorker). This is an example of how complex hate-speech laws in France can be and how some content is considered a crime, while others are not. Dieudonné was not the only criminalized after the Charlie Hebdo attack. According to the NY Daily News, 54 people were also arrested, “…for posting about or spewing hate speech, anti-Semitism or glorifying terrorism” (Sasha