What does free speech actually mean? Are we really free to say whatever we like?
The law in the UK protects its citizens from being offended by limiting free speech and prohibiting phrases and words that are 'likely' to cause offence to others. While many people think this is important, others think that having unlimited free speech is a fundamental part of being part of a democratic society.
Recent examples of the legislation being used have seen the arrest in the UK of a Christian preacher for telling a passer-by that homosexuality was sinful, a 16-year-old boy holding a placard that read 'Scientology Is A Dangerous Cult', and a student who called a police horse 'gay' (Read more here).
In America freedom of speech is protected by the Constitution. Its people are free to criticise the government and advocate unpopular ideas, although some exceptions do exists, for example where untruth may harm others (slander), obscenity and speech that might incite lawless action (See more detail here).
Should we be free to insult one another? Or should we be protected by those who may insult us? Whose rights are more important?
If we are to accept the first Article of the UN Declaration of Human Rights - ' All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights' then doesn't this mean everyone should equally have the right to say what they want?
What do you think?
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It is proposed that individuals should have unlimited free speech even if this may potentially offend others