General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Strafgesetzbuch Section 86a - Important reason why it exists. Time for the US to wake up. [View all]Jim Lane
(11,175 posts)You write that you "think it has just been used by bigots and porn nuts to bully the rest of us around." The protection for bigots is obviously on everyone's mind after the murder in Charlottesville, but free speech hasn't "just" been used for those people. Important cases have invoked the First Amendment to protect the free speech of socialists, union organizers, civil rights activists, Vietnam War protestors, and others.
There are also some cases that didn't even arise. Would Trump and Sessions like to enforce a prohibition on criticism of the President? I'm sure they would, and such laws have been enacted in the past. They don't hold back because of their principled commitment to an open society. They hold back because they know that any such law would be speedily held unconstitutional. Take away the First Amendment and watch what they do. Maybe you and I will be cellmates.