Quote:
Originally Posted by southernbelle
Yep. Free speech as the founding fathers envisioned it doesn't exist anymore, now that you're able to be put on trial for saying something that hurts someone else's feelings or isn't a glowing, positive review of someone's practices. They also aren't evenly enforced. I know I haven't heard of very many people on trial or forced into sensitivity training for inciting racial hatred against whites, or discriminating against Christians.
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That's not true. It's not a criminal offense to speak ill of somone. It may become a civil matter when one sues for slander or defamation.
The First Amendment does indeed allow for such expression, even if it's directed at Christians. What is not covered and is "illegal" are instances where using words creates an unsafe environment, such as shouting "Fire!" in a crowded movie theater or inciting a crowd to riot.
I'm pretty shocked that France has such stringent restricitons as to what constitues a hate crime. IMO, Bardot has every right to express her opinion, and I would think there are many French people who are like minded. Being criminal and being "racist" are two very different things.