The US's first amendment is rather unique amongst Western nations. Basically it says "the government cannot infringe on this inalienable right", that is the government cannot govern speech. Here's the actual language
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.
The key phrase "or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press".
As far as I know, this kind of language is absent from other Western nations. For example, Canada jails people for criticizing those of Islamic persuasion. [0] Note, the article doesn't record what the accused actually said. Here's a wikipedia overview of hate speech laws by country [1], though it is wikipedia, so take it with a grain of salt. Here's a somewhat relevant piece from Reason that takes an anti-hate-speech stance [2] where the author details the unconstitutionality of hate speech laws.
"Free speech" as we understand it in the US is unique in the world.
As far as the restrictions at state and federal level, these are considered unconstitutional, and you'll see a large number of them struck down in various courts across the country. Those in power definitely seek to expand their powers and fortunately we have a law that allows the citizenry to push back against that.
[0] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/muslim-hate-1.614516...
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_speech_laws_by_country
[2] https://reason.com/2021/05/20/teen-arrested-under-connecticu...
As far as I know, this kind of language is absent from other Western nations. For example, Canada jails people for criticizing those of Islamic persuasion. [0] Note, the article doesn't record what the accused actually said. Here's a wikipedia overview of hate speech laws by country [1], though it is wikipedia, so take it with a grain of salt. Here's a somewhat relevant piece from Reason that takes an anti-hate-speech stance [2] where the author details the unconstitutionality of hate speech laws.
"Free speech" as we understand it in the US is unique in the world.
As far as the restrictions at state and federal level, these are considered unconstitutional, and you'll see a large number of them struck down in various courts across the country. Those in power definitely seek to expand their powers and fortunately we have a law that allows the citizenry to push back against that.
[0] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/muslim-hate-1.614516...
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_speech_laws_by_country
[2] https://reason.com/2021/05/20/teen-arrested-under-connecticu...