Proponents of hate speech legislation believe certain forms of language can cause genuine harm, perpetuate discrimination, and encourage violence or hostility. They feel that hate speech bans are vital to safeguard marginalized and vulnerable communities, protecting their safety and dignity.
The debate arises when identifying the line between protected speech and hate speech because definitions and legal frameworks differ among countries and cultures. While some countries have a specific law that criminalizes hate speech, others take a more lenient approach, preferring a broader interpretation of freedom of expression. This variance frequently leads to diverging opinions and arguments over the appropriate balance of free speech and hate speech regulation.
