Is it time America adopt hate speech and/or hate propaganda laws? [View all]

[Fred Sanders]

The Criminal Code of Canada

Sections 318, 319, and 320 of the Code forbid hate propaganda.[4] "Hate propaganda" means "any writing, sign or visible representation that advocates or promotes genocide or the communication of which by any person would constitute an offence under section 319."

Section 318 prescribes imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years for anyone who advocates genocide. The Code defines genocide as the destruction of an "identifiable group." The Code defines an "identifiable group" as "any section of the public distinguished by colour, race, religion, ethnic origin or sexual orientation."

Section 319 prescribes penalties from a fine to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years for anyone who incites hatred against any identifiable group.

Under section 319, an accused is not guilty: (a) if he establishes that the statements communicated were true; (b) if, in good faith, the person expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text; (c) if the statements were relevant to any subject of public interest, the discussion of which was for the public benefit, and if on reasonable grounds he believed them to be true; or (d) if, in good faith, he intended to point out, for the purpose of removal, matters producing or tending to produce feelings of hatred toward an identifiable group in Canada.

Section 320 allows a judge to confiscate publications which appear to be hate propaganda.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_speech_laws_in_Canada

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Seeing Pam Gellar and all of Fox News talking heads and executives in prison for 2 to 5 years, real prison, a penitentiary, not suspended, would be so worth it.

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"Freedom of speech in the United States is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and by many state constitutions and state and federal laws. The freedom of speech is not absolute; the Supreme Court of the United States has recognized several categories of speech that are excluded from the freedom, and it has recognized that governments may enact reasonable time, place, or manner restrictions on speech.

Criticism of the government and advocacy of unpopular ideas that people may find distasteful or against public policy are almost always permitted. There are exceptions to these general protections, including the Miller test for obscenity, child pornography laws, speech that incites imminent lawless action, and regulation of commercial speech such as advertising. Within these limited areas, other limitations on free speech balance rights to free speech and other rights, such as rights for authors over their works (copyright), protection from imminent or potential violence against particular persons (restrictions on fighting words), or the use of untruths to harm others (slander). Distinctions are often made between speech and other acts which may have symbolic significance."

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech_in_the_United_States

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Edit: So, it appears the majority of folks at DU at this time of day are good with this, protected by the First Amendment?

"Wilhelmsen reported in his post that his group has raised $116,872.00 thus far to pay as a reward to anyone to completes the task of capturing and permanently removing President Obama from office. Of course, we can assume that by “permanently” he means kill him. The reward is to aid the perpetrator of the crime. Wilhelmsen removed the report of the amount of money raised from the post yesterday evening."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025620401