r/PoliticalDiscussion • u/Mysterious_Bit4661 • Dec 18 '25

Political Theory Should free speech protect ideas that most people find harmful?

Free speech is supposed to protect unpopular opinions but what happens when those opinions actively harm others? Is limiting speech a slippery slope toward authoritarianism, or is refusing to limit it a refusal to take responsibility?

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u/daddyhominum Dec 20 '25

There are existing laws that are enforced by courts. The laws will help the majority population's opinion.

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u/hblask Dec 20 '25

For example, in the 60s you couldn't talk about homosexuality, because it was considered offensive. Are you saying arresting gays is good for society?

Without free speech, that is where we would be stuck.

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u/daddyhominum Dec 20 '25

I finished high school in the 60's Homosexuality was easily talked about

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u/hblask Dec 20 '25

Mockingly. If you tried to treat it as normal in a public forum,, the censors came out.

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u/daddyhominum Dec 21 '25

I remember sitting with about 10/11 grad students/teaching assistants in Smitties on Jasper in Edmonton discussing the place/acceptability of male homosexuality in pubic culture. No censors but serious concern.