Hate Speech  | Poll Results | Advocate.com

||   Hate Speech   ||
Results for the following question: Do you think hate speech in the blogosphere should be censored?

Yes
 20.6%

No
 72.5%

Undecided
 6.9%

Total Votes: 1010

Comments:
These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

Anonymous
Speech shouldn't be censored, no matter how distasteful it is.

Dan M
Blogs should be censored, but not by a centralized body....blogs should be censored by the market....advertisers, blogging platforms and customer-purchased filter software.

Jason
There's a limit to freedom of speech when all it does is bluntly hurt people. What good comes from it?

Raymond Leroy Wilson
Are you kidding me? Never! Threats of vilence or harm can be reported to the proper authorities, but that's as far as it goes. We never want to limit what the other person might say; because it could easily be us that someone might want to censure and silence. No way.

Michelle Rose
No. Uncensored. Let 'em scream and spew. But why don't we use that wonderful tracking software Homeland Security has and send each and every hate-spewer a personal message, complete with their address and phone number? "We know who you are, where you are and if you translate that speech into action, we'll come down on you with both feet. Learn some manners, infant."

Ron K
I think everyone should have the right to their opinion. Just as you shouldn't censor me if I blogged that I hate right wing religion and their condemnation of LBGT individuals, you can't very well censor the right wingers for their comments either. Even if theyre comments are perceived as way more damaging then ours.

Kevin Olomon
How long is the duration of poll questions supposed to last here? It seems MANY- like THIS ONE hang around forever! Why can't they be rotated in and out more frequently? Or at least at predictable intervals? I log-on daily in hopes of seeing new questions and responses... I swear sometimes it seems the same lame question is allowed to linger for WEEKS!

AJ
Unless it is hate speech to incite violence. If we start censoring speech in the blogsphere, where will the censorship end?

Anonymous
It is hard to say. On one hand, censorship is a slipper slope I feel no one should tread on. However, when hate speech becomes written, it takes on more dangerous aspects.

Craig Stapleton
By censoring hate speech all we do is blind oursleves to the way that people really feel. It will not change the way that they think.

Anonymous
Censored by whom???

Jeff
While I don't agree with hate speech it is our right as Americans to say what we want to.

Kazelzfb
Hi webmaster!

Anonymous
We cannot stop the haters from expressing themselves. Let them speak so we can organize against them. When we know who they are and what they stand for, then we can destroy them.

Anonymous
I really hate hate speech.

Mike S.
I don't think hate speech in the blogosphere should be censored, only because I think it is important for us to be able to prove how distasteful and hateful the people who leave these comments really are. If there is no proof against them, it is hard to make a point. But if we can see (and look down upon) hate speech in the blogs, it will be a lot easier to help make the case against them.

Claye
Who cares what you hate. Share it with your red neck buddies or the lady who sits next to you in church with her nose stuck up in the air. I don't want my kids around sex, violence, or the ignorant trash that comes out of people's mouths.

Carrie
That takes aw aay from our first amendment rights to "FREE SPEECH". Just don't listen to the idiots and keep going about your business. It makes us all look more intelligent and might change opinions.

margaux
i think hate speenches make viewers more interested and dramam allways atracks attention

Anonymous
What I still do not understand is why it is quite OK to add "Gay Hate" comments on the blogosphere, but imagine if I used the "N" word? then what? Can you imagine, and they most certainly would ban that. I hate racism or any kind of hate towards a human for being gay or whatever their ethnic or roots may be, but one thing for sure is in America free speech does not mean free and is not free in any way. The only thing I would vote to ban is crazy fundamentalist Christians holding their "God Hates Fags" sign in DT Seattle, it really does set you day off to the wrong start, to me they should outlaw that and say if you want to have your crazy hate signs you need to have them at your house and that's it.

Anonymous
The whole point of free speech is that it IS free, and when we admit that, unfortunately, we have to accept both the good and the bad

Anonymous
I believe in free speech too... but hate speech is different from free speech because hate speech promotes violence and prejudice. In some countries, there is a law against hate speech. I think that extreme hate speech with a violent message should be removed and the author banned because it is life threatening. On the other hand, extreme censoring is not the solution to anti gay hate speeches, blogs, or videos. The issue really boils down to making grounds for true equal rights. As for the crazy "cults" that preaches hate, they should be banned simply because religion should preach love, faith and acceptance. Not hate. The standards for deciding what is cult and what is religion is being lowered these days.

Sabrina Roberts
I do not think that hate speech should be protected in blogs because hate speech is not protected anywhere else.

Anonymous
tickle me :)

Tracy
Freedom of Speech is a right to everyone, no matter how hateful they are.

tcrowl18
no speech should be censored. ever.

David Lee
The "N" word has been banned everywhere and rightfully so, but along with that the "F" word needs banned and any hatefull speech that goes along with these words.

Anonymous
Who's going to decide what is hate speech. One person's hate speech is another person's gospel. Just tune into the evangelical christian tv/radio stations and you'll hear the most vile hatred speech directed towards gay. You cant censor hate speech but you can prepare yourself to defend you and your loved ones against the violent acts that sometime comes out of hate speech and I'm not talking about those useless candle-light vigils our community seems to think works so well after someone is attacked. We have something called the Second Admendment...use it and then maybe the gay bashers wont think of beating up gays as a saturday night sport. Armed gays dont get bashed.

Anonymous
NO, ITS FREESPEECH

Anonymous
I think hate speech is different from other speech. It is not constructive criticism. Its sole purpose is to express and promote violence and hatred. It's like a cancer. it eats away at both the person who uses it as well as its target. It promotes fear and violence and causes pain and suffering. It doesn't matter where it comes from or who says it. It should NEVER be condoned. I think that if you censor hate speech, then our own freedom of speech in the blogsphere becomes endangered. I think it is true that you can't legislate compassion. You can't make people be nice, at least not in that way. I think censoring hatemongers in the blogsphere will just fuel their fire. I think the hate speech is a symtom of the problem. I think that compassion and respect for GLBTs, like the compassion and respect that blacks have (compared to 50 years ago) will come from the passage of time and social change. I have a feeling though, that because of the internet and how connected we are, it won't take as long as 50 years. Censoring the hatemongers in the blogsphere won't make them stop using hate speech, it will only endanger our own freedom to promote love, respect, and acceptance.

Paul
Hate speech is unacceptable! If people want to hate they can keep it in their hearts and poison themselves, alone.

Anonymous
censor content and you censor ALL content. "BACK IN THE USSR" Hmmmm

Bryan
Once you start censoring someones speech because you don't like what they have to say it's only a matter of time before your speech is censored. If someone is going to listen to hate speech they are already hateful of whatever the speech is about, censoring the writer wouldn't change that.

Pete
no matter how vile the comments, hate speech is protected. Yes, free speech has its limits, you can't shout 'Fire' in a theater, nor can you slander/libel a person, but you should defend the right to free speech even if that speech is something you disagree with.

Tim Hulsey
If bigoted comments can be censored, then gay-friendly comments can also be censored. The Mattachine Society and ONE magazine won our battle for free speech fifty years ago. Let's not sell that birthright for a mess of pottage.

Anonymous
im a big believer in freedom of speech. no one should be cencored, no matter how idiotic they are.

jeffery
i feel this way because of the fact that the other ppl of the world need to see wat ignorant ppl we have in our world today

G. W. Bussh
No way, I HATE Republicans!!! and I HATE Christina Conservatives!!!

Brent Paxton
Hate speech is something that encourages discrimination and violence against the targeted group. You cannot go on TV or the radio and use hate speech, the internet should be the same. People read blogs more and more everyday, the majority of them are young. We are setting ourselves up for a generation that thinks it's taboo to use hate speech in social settings, but that it IS OK to do it online for the whole world to see. It doesn't make sense. Gay students already have a hard time. Hate spreads more hate, which eventually leads to violence. I don't want any more hate to be spread against anyone. I am a gay college student and everyday I try to add love to the equation. There is always too much hate, and never enough compassion and understanding. Yes, censor hate out of our media.

Dave
People like Chris Crocker get WAY too many death threats for no reason.. it's just not right.

Yvonne
We need to keep speech free or it will be used against gays speaking out about the Christian Taliban and other religious fascists.

Anonymous
I think that if the internet is to remain open and democratic, then censorship of any kind should not exist. What if the hate-mongers could censor you? But hate speech of any kind should never be condoned. I'm not sure exactly what the solution should be but I don't think censorship is the answer because it's un-democratic and sort of defeats the whole idea of the connectivity concept behind the internet.

Anonymous
Censoring comments is like trying to control the media to favor a particular view on an issue.

nottahairdresser
No, because censorship is wrong at all times.

Anonymous
Hate speech is hate speech, regardless of where it occurs or who utters it. If it is offensive in one venue, it should be considered offensive in all venues. While I understand the tight rope we walk in terms of the concept of censorship, tacit parameters should be in place governing peoples' activity.

Tasha
I understand that free speech is a right that all people should have, but I believe that being able to intimidate and/or threaten people into hiding is wrong and should be censored.

Ivan Sondel
The slippery slope. Freedom of speech is too important to tamper with. Who decides who gets censored? One day they censor Fred Phelps (and the crowd goes crazy!). However, the next day they censor Dan Savage or Tony Kushner. If you don't agree with what someone says, stop reading that blog - or reading that book, or watching that television show, or, or, or. Let the individual decide for themself.

Anonymous
overt hate is always better than covert hate. keep it out bebes....

Bill
No, this is real life. People talk privately this way all the time. Why should we give in to all the PC phonies. It's just bullshit, because privately they talk the same way. Who me? Yes, Wanda you!

Anonymous
Free speech means all speech is free! Who defines hate speech?

Guy Jameson
Freedom of speech includes speech we don't like. People should police themselves against hate speech but if they don't it is necessary that we put up with it. We don't have to accept or condone hate speech but in a free society we must allow it. It is only when speech leads to direct and illegal action that censorship can be permitted. Then it is the action that should be punished.

Anonymous
It's known as the First Amendment and doesn't only work one way.

Sean
It goes back to the Constitutional Rights such as "Freedom of Speech" and "Freedom of expression". Everyone is entitled to their own opinion as long as they don't pose it on another.

Drew
Even though what some people in the U.S or the world say on the internet may be hateful or ignorant. They have the right to say it. Even though I do not agree with what they say. Although editing it is a good thing in some circumstances. For example I believe without a dought that many parents don't want there children to see or hear such words. But there will always be hateful people in the world. The most we can do as a generation is to teach our children that saying such things is wrong. And eventually it will fade away. Much like the things that used to be said about black people did for the most part anyways.

mike
The great thing about freedom of speech is that it's free. But at what price? Just because we may not agree with what someone says is absolutely no reason to shut them up. For example, a few years ago GLAAD tried to censor Dr. Laura because they felt she was spewing gay hate speech on her short-lived TV chatshow. Because GLAAD didn't agree with her point of view, they wanted to censor her. She is entitled to her opinions like all Americans. She was given a platform to spew that opinion, however, just because GLAAD didn't like what she had to say was no reason for them to position themselves as the thought police in censorship. Once you start shutting people up and denying them their right to free speech, you risk shutting up the voices that should also be heard. Defining hate speech is tricky. It's a nebulous area and anyone who disagrees with an opinion can deem that opinion as hate speech and therefore be censored. The blogosphere is something that is, and should be, regulated by the individual blogger. It is up to him to filter what he wants on his blog and it is not up to a larger entity such as the blogger's host or anyone else to police for so-called hate speech. Once you start censoring what people say in that capacity you open the door to more censorship outside of the original intent. Blogs are allowed to choose whatever content they wish, however, attempting to generally censor voices is abhorrent. It's wrong because once one voice is censored, all voices fall prey to silence even the ones that aren't hateful. It's through this hate speech and bringing it to the forefront that we learn how to heal and deal with thoughts and opinions that are unlike our own. The world isn't all flowery language and harmonic interactions. We become better and stronger for facing our opponents and forming stronger and more well-informed opinions. It's through knowledge, discussion and education that we overcome, not by a knee-jerk reaction.

Chip Adkins
Restricting speech in any form is not only against our core beliefs as Americans, it is dangerous. Where do we draw the line? Whose ideas are allowable and whose not? It hasn't been that long ago that our ideas (GLBT) were considered dangerous, subversive, in need of suppression. Do we REALLY want to go there?

Alan Reeser
Free speech is guaranteed under the United States Constitution. People who spew hatred are usually uneducated underachievers jealous of others.

Shannon
Everyone has a right to their opinion, no matter how vulgar it may be. I wish that when people are writing "hate speech" they can add in a little logic behind it, but of course, there is no logic so it comes out in vicious blabber. Either way, they still have that right.

Anonymous
Proponents of censorship always think that what they dislike will be the only thing censored. I have news for you - it doesn't usually work out this way. If gays start demanding that anything anti-gay be censored, then religious bigots will demand that their opponents who criticize them for being anti-gay be censored for hate speech as well. There should be no laws interfering with the freedom of speech, provided the speech is not done in an overly intrusive manner (such as shouting at someone trying to study at a college campus, or yelling "fire!" in a crowded movie theater). It's saddening that gays, who have achieved great progress because of free speech, want to shut down anyone that disagrees with them, rather than meet them in polite debate.

hannah alabama
It's wrong but people need to see it, to understand the hatred of our society.

Todd
Depends on the definition of 'hate speech'. If it's a rally to terminate the gay community, something should happen, but if someone just uses derogatory language (calling someone a fag) should not. As much as it hurts me and bothers me, we all have the freedome of speech - thank goodness, or there's a chance we couldn't speak out for the gay community. P.S. Love the magazine!

Erin
i think that people that write hate things are just ignorent and are just afraid of coming out to people.

julian
while i'm distraught by the constant birage of hate speech targeting the glbt community, i'm a firm supporter in our first amendment right to free speech. censorship is not the answer!

RFH
Who decides what's hate speech? The administration in power? The judge a president put in office? PC can backfire.

normal person
faggot

Whitney S
No speech should be censored, period. The last thing I need after having a bad day and sarcastically posting, "God, I hate straight people!" is for my comment to be censored because what I said was not PC. Chances are, where big brother chooses to draw the line is not where I would choose to draw it.

Steve
No, when there is censorship, who gets to decide what is allowed?

steve
Hate, anywhere, should not be tolerated!!! There is freedom of speech but not when it violates anyone's rights. Hate is unaccptable no matter who it is aimed to.

j
People have a right to say what they want in a public forum like the internet-- tree speech is free speech no matter how ugly or hate-filled it is. If we start censoring the internet, where will we draw the line?

Robert Drake
People should have the right to say whatever they want, but, if words become deeds, watch out.

Lesbian Proud Over HATE speach~
yes they should,so many hate is out there...& even words that make me sick!,i'm a (kuwait) arabian-lesbian & DAMN PROUD OF IT!.

Al
These hate-mongers should be allowed to show their true colors. That way we know who to punish in so many other ways.

david johnson
why should a user be allowed to comment negative things on such but its the internet poeple are entitled to their opinions. David johnson florida 16 out and gay.

Anonymous
Free speech is protected by the first amendment. Even stupid, angry, violent free speech is still protected by the first amendment. Only direct threats ('I will kill you') should be punishable/censored/etc.

Andrew
It is still free speech. Yes it is horrable, and yes it is wrong, but people are alowed their opinion.

Anonymous
If a person is so thin-skinned that they cannot take bigoted comments from people whose opinions that are not worth very much anyway , they should give their desire for censorship a rest; lest they become just like the right-wingers they despise. The right-wingers want to ban gay and lesbian art, and the thin-skinned among us want to ban free speech by right-wing nuts. The difference is?

JIM
The answer to this "problem" was in the article. Leave it up to the individual moderator to decide whether or not to censor.

Timmy Taboo
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and it's not right for it to be taken down. But there's a limit, threats or other harmful activities supported in the blogs should be censored and removed.

Scot
Who uses hate-speech anymore? Don't we have better vocabularies than this?

Jill
If you don't have free speech, how will you know who the assholes are?

Anonymous
No the first Admendment is a conorstone of a democracy.

D. Manthorne
You can't sensor speech. It's a right, the freedom to say what you think. Also, it is helpful to know who hates you. It allows you to keep an eye on what they are doing.

Anonymous
Freedom of speech does not only extend to those with whom you agree, but to all speech. I may find a subject offensive and hateful, but I will not deny them the ability to express their opinions.

Paul, Dallas
Free speech must be upheld, even when the content is vile. However, threats or incitement to violence should be censored as they cannot be considered part of any reasonable dialog.

Tony
In a way yes...it can spread more hatred. makes the people they are hating angry/depressed ful spectrum of emotions. in a way no because everyone is entitled to say what they want

Paul
The blogosphere is the new underground press , comparable to propaganda machines once used by the KKK or the Nazi Party . It's a forum where people who thrive upon hatred and violence toward others can recruit , communicate and strategize . The blogosphere should be censored .

Kyle
History proves that hateful speech breeds hateful speech and can encourage hateful action. The internet provides greater anonymity to individuals seeking to demean a person or group of people, which is exactly why censorship measures should be enforced to help regulate online content. We obviously can't be left to our own devices when it comes to online etiquette; therefore, censorship seems a viable option.

Christopher
Hate speech could never be stopped by means of censorship, just displaced to some other medium where extremists would eventually network and attempt to proliferate their message of intolerance and violence. Our right to free speech comes with a price in that we share the discursive landscape with all in the polis. Concerened LGBT activists should perhaps focus their efforts on becoming stakeholders in institutions that offer greater voice and visibility such as politics, social work, armed forces, media (go Advocate!), etc., and thus eclipse the tirades of idiots and false prophets.

Anonymous
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions not matter their race, religieon, orientation, beliefs.

Anonymous
Freedom of speech means ALL OF IT.

Michael
We have freedom of speech. It should never be censored even if you don't agree with it.

Steve
If the evil & loathsome rants by Westboro Baptist Church members can't be censored at funerals then why should it be censored online.

Anonymous
I don't know. It depends where it is coming from. If it is posted by someone in a position of power and is representing an organization then, yes, I think it should not be allowed. And frankly, they should know better. If it is "joe blow" venting then I don't think you can curb free speech.

Cory
No, i don't. Blogging is still a form of speech and according to the first amendment it is completely legal. Should any speech pertaining to homosexuality be sensored? No, of course not. Then why should hate speech. Just because we may not like it, doesn't mean it should be censored.

Anonymous
free speech

Casey
Free speech is free speech, and so long as it isn't an actual incitement to imminent violence, the best (and only constitutional) response to hate speech is counterspeech.

Bill
Who's going to define it ... I can't think of anyone I would trust to that task ...

Greg C.
NO! freedom of speech is just that. It doesn't mean only the speech we like. We must learn to accept that freedom will not always be something that makes us happy. Freedom will make us angry, sad and sometimes totally disgusted. But that is what makes this such a great country. FREEDOM, if we want it for ourselves, we must expect for others!

JEremy
We live in a society where we have freedom of speech, where we have freedom of the press. As sad as this may sound folks, the only way to ensure we get to be heard on our issues, is by them being heard on their issues. The beauty of the system is you don't have to listen, you don't have to read, you have the choice of walking away from the speaker, or putting down that news article. I think it's time we stop trying to censor people for having an opinion and starting a little personal responsibility in accepting or rejecting that opinion on our own.

Anonymous
free speach works both ways.

Anonymous
No, censorship is a slipper slope...

Anonymous
No, censorship is a slipper slope...

Anonymous
Of course not, we haven't thrown the constitution away completely. Besides I want to be able to take my shots at good ole Ann Coulter too!

Anonymous
According to the United States constitution, people have the right to express their points of view through speech or the written language. To censor one persons beliefs over another is to only allow people to hear or read one particular viewpoint. I don't want people telling me what's okay and not okay to say, so I surely wouldn't want to do that to others. It's called "freedom of speech". Love it! And I sure hope to keep it, for everybody, including those I disagree with.

Anonymous
No censorship of any kind should be allowed anywhere.

Anonymous
Naw, let the damn breeders rant.

Mel Taylor
Unfortunately, anytime when hate is involved, we must stop it and removed it so that it does not infect thinking of people who view it.

Steve H
If it were censored, what would be the point of having a blogosphere?

R.R. t.Webster
while ignorance is constitutionally procted in this country, we should not be forced to give it a forum from wich to espouse that hate, you want to hate to that extent, go print yourself a private paper and make it available to thoselike minded biggots that share your veiws, but people who are suggestable to begin with shouldnt have this driven into thier heads. just my opinion brothers and sisters, but let em stick thier hate where i DONT HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT!!!!!!!!

Anonymous
Hate speech is in the eye of the beholder. I used the word "adorable" to identify another blogger in azstarnet and was permanently banned. Hmmm.

Kelly - MT
NO. If one part of our Freedom of Speech goes, what will be next...? It's a losing battle on all sides.

Anonymous
As much as I dis-like "hate" speech, our freedoms require its availablity. Who decides and who would decide that ours would be hate. It would be nice if somehow the print could be made in such a way that the webmaster considers it to be hate though.

Ryan
If hate-speech is censored, Perez Hilton can kiss his career goodbye. And no self-respecting gay blog hound, no matter how closeted their love for the ding-dong diva is, would sacrifice celebrity gossip.

Anonymous
Hate is a disease that devours itself when left to fester on its own. Don't encourage it by trying to censor it. Silence kills hate for it is a rabid animal and it will turn on itself.

Anonymous
Hate speech simply exposes the speaker as being uninformed and ignorant. Hasn't The Decider already taken away enough of our individual liberties? Preachers of hate should be both pittyed and prayed for. I do think that all educated bloggers should respond to hate bloggers, whenever they get the chance. By censoring speech rights we, in essence, become as hateful as the blogger. Buzz

Anonymous
We should not censor. Freedom of speech is the american way. Let those who preach hate be exposed for who they are.

Michael Wolfgang
No in spite of the vile garbage that pollutes the Web. I'm against ALL forms of censorship...period! It reeks of Fascism. As a liberal, I deplored the Neo-Nazi march on Skokie Il in the 70s. On the other hand, I was/am glad I live in a country that respects and protects free speech and expression!

brent
No, but all so called "truths" and “facts” expressed in hate speech must be required to be substantiated by unbiased sources –else they must be labeled as unsubstantiated opinions.

R. Brown
Everyone has a right to express an opinion. If we suppress hate speech, it will lead down a long slippery slope that will open the door to further suppression of personal freedoms. Besides, fools who spout ridiculous opinions can always be ignored.

Green Gay
Censored by whom? By the governement? Of course not. But that isn't to say that we the readers shouldn't be as vocal as possible in shouting it down. WE have freedom of speech too.

James Walsh
There is enough hate cast on everyone to allow more to tear everyone down. I believe in free speech but not everyone understands or has the compassion to handle free speech responible.

Chris
Speech should never, under any circumstance, be censored. The fact that we can say what we want whenever we want is what allows any minority to let themselves move up on the social ladder.

Anonymous
Speech that advocates violence or harmful action is unacceptale.

Anonymous
I'm sure this is politically incorrect, but free speech is just that. Of course, if someone is advocating violence, well then that needs to be reigned in, but in cyberspace, people can say what they want. People are going to think what they think. If they read what they actually write, maybe, just maybe, they'll see what they're doing and what they're thinking is wrong. And isn't that what the internet is all about? Sharing information. Even if one person changes their views, I believe its worth it.

Anonymous
Who decides what is and isn't hate speech? We know what hurts us, but what's to stop the Christian-right from seizing control of the censors?

Travis Colten Yocom
No, I don't believe that hate speech should be censored in blogs because it outs the ones who express that sort of venom. This way they are easier to track and could be held accountable if they are planning more than hateful words. It is odd that in order to support the First Amendment fair people have to put up with this type of vile thought, yet the str8 media does everything it can to belittle or malign the targets of this hate. It is like the "If you don't like it here then move to another country" argument. No, I won't move, don't have to move. If my presence bothers those types so much, then good. The error that fair people make too often is that they don't realize they can and should keep talking, too. Don't leave the field; in medieval parlance, that is called surrendering.

Matthew
Absolutely not. Freedom of speech is meaningless if it doesn't include freedom for points of view one doesn't agree with. Free speech is a basic Constitutional and human right, and it should not be abrogated.

Bob Green
It depends on the blog. If, for example, it is a pro African-American Rights blog the moderator should have the right to block racist comments. Otherwise every Klansman that can get a 5 year old to show him how to work a 'puter will be spending less time impregnating his sister and more time breeding hate.

Anonymous
The right to express yourself applies to the internet. The idea that somone's speach can be censored because it is found hateful raises the spector of a big-brother style government.

John Bosch
As long as it remains within the internet realm and is just the maniacal rants of an ignorant "phob", blog readers have the choice not read it. If it gets to the point of becoming specific threats directed to a named person, then it should be dealt with within the legal system. Unless an act is illegal, censorship of any form of expression is bad -- what we might do or say within the gay community, others will surely think is "scandalous" and want it censored.

Anonymous
Freedom of speech is a basic right, one that we must give to everyone, whether we agree with them or not.

David Schultz
Hate speech, sexual speech, political speech; it's all speech. Who chooses the arbiters of what is permissible? If we trult defend free speech we must defend that which w find most onerous.

Damien
I am not sure....I want to say No we dont have the right to censor anything just because we dont like it. However when it is encouraging people to commit violence? Where do we stop if we start censoring?I have no clear answer.

Mary
Hate speech on the radio should be censored, too, which means that Rush Limbaugh would have to stop talking. Life is too short. Be decent!

Tim Bovee, Portland, OR
No censorship! If people hate us, we need to know that for our survival. If the people who hate us are stupid, it's good to know that as evidence that love will win over hatred in time.


FREEDOM OF SPEECH,

Dustin Wright
Let's not join the bandwagon of groups who want to limit the First Amendment. You must allow the speech of those you disagree with in order to be heard by those who disagree with you. Words only have power when the listener gives them power.

Michael
Hate speech, degrading or demeaning anyone not like yourself, is an evil thing. It can never be allowed to hide behind "freedom of speech."

Eric Peters
Do I think hate speech in the blogosphere should be censored? No. But I do think it should be answered and I think that every queer community member-- a-, ally, bi, gay, lesbian, trans, worker, etc.-- has a share of the community's right and responsibility to do so. Very closely related, in my homo opinion, is the hate speech that comes from Bible-thumping Jesus Nazis and other Christo-Fascists. I strongly think that we should do nothing to stop those people; after all, their actions are as much a warning to avoid them as is a rattlesnake's rattle. It benefits us for them to say what they say so that we know to avoid Southern Baptist, Nazarene, Assemblies of God and other Bible-banging bigots' churches. I also believe, as a gay man who believes in Jesus, that we Christians have a duty to respond to those who blasphemously screech anti-gay hate as if it were Gospel (it's not).

Eric Peters
Do I think hate speech in the blogosphere should be censored? No.But I do think it should be answered and I think that every queer community member-- a-, ally, bi, gay, lesbian, trans, worker, etc.-- has a share of the community's right and responsibility to do so.Very closely related, in my homo opinion, is the hate speech that comes from Bible-thumping Jesus Nazis and other Christo-Fascists. I strongly think that we should do nothing to stop those people; after all, their actions are as much a warning to avoid them as is a rattlesnake's rattle. It benefits us for them to say what they say so that we know to avoid Southern Baptist, Nazarene, Assemblies of God and other Bible-banging bigots' churches.I also believe, as a gay man who believes in Jesus, that we Christians have a duty to respond to those who blasphemously screech anti-gay hate as if it were Gospel (it's not).

Anonymous
I'm not for censorship. It's unfortunate that ignorant people post their hatred foolishly.

Anonymous
If you censor one side you run the risk of doing the same to the side you support.

Quill
As much as hate speech is offensive, it cannot and should not be censored. Hate needs to be out in the open to expose it to the light of reason. Censoring hate speech and pretending that it does not exist only provides it with more fertile ground in which to grow.

Kyle
Freedom means freedom to hate. We won't win hearts and minds by promoting censorship, but rather by promoting the exchange of ideas and experieces.

Anonymous
Bigots use censorship as a cover. I say let them present themselves. We can take care of them.

BobNYC
The Right to Free Speech is not an absolute - it has limits. Hate Speech should not and cannot be sanctioned anywhere.

Jon from texas
free speech is free speech. If it is truly virulent and unwarrented, the person will be ignored. If they aren't ignored, write a blog about it. Look at the rabies like maddness of O'Rielly. He isn't censored for all of his head scratchingly stupid, dogmaticly conservative pulpit thumping. So why would this media? I realize there is a difference between what he says and out right hate speech, but hate must be fought out in the open and made to die, not fester in the dark places of this world or the virtual one.

Joshua Rutter
Fortunately speech is free in the United States of America. But with regard to speech, the question must be answered as to what hate speech is. I do not think their can be an objective definition of what hate speech is. For example, is Hillary talking about Obama in a negative light in the current election considered 'hate speech'?

Anonymous
I would have to say no because unfortunately if we limit freedom of speech in any capacity then there is no telling how that step would be manipulated later on.

Anonymous
Yes, but only if it incites/advocates violence against us.

wade
slippery slope....

Anonymous
Censoring "hate speech" on the internet be impossible. There's no agreement about where it even ends or beginnings. Besides, if we start censoring the internet in one area, where does it end? The internet is the closest thing to free media. And it should stay that way.

Patrick - Seattle
Unpopular speech is what needs protecting, no one is free unless we all are. What we can do is battle the hate speech by coming out to the people we know so when someone does say something bad we have allies that will go to bat for us.

Anonymous
Everyone has the right to speak their mind. I have the right to say what I want. You have yours. Words are words, and though they can be hurtful, they can also be ignored. Besides, it allows us to pick up on whom we might want to avoid discussions with (or alltogether) in the future. As a great man once said, "I may not agree with what you say but I will defend, until my death, your right to say it.

Beverly Chmelik
The only difference between hate bloggers and "real" life is that it is a bit more public. What is said online is only a reflection of what others think. I had to endure some of that hate while I was in the National Guard. I wish I could have expressed my opinion, but that would have been fatale to my career before i could retire and transition. At least blogs can be ignored.

Shawna Springman
People have the right to voice their opinions, even if they voice them in an immature, negative way. Comments like that shouldn't be taken seriously; they are from people who can't properly voice their opinions in a polite and acceptable way.

Anonymous
tickle me :)

Cecil
I don't indulge in blogging so let that be my first caveat. Still when it is clearly hate speech, I would hope that it would be treated like 'flaming' in an email system. Or am I being naive about this?

Matthew G. Myers
You cannot censor hate speech in the blogosphere any more than you can censor Advocate's blogs for speaking about gay issues. People have the right to hate. What they do not have the right to do is hurt the objects of their hate in any way. My government teacher in high school was always fond of saying, "free speech begins at your lips and ends at the other persons nose." As much as I hate hate speech they have the right to say and feel it, just as I have the right to hate what they say.

Frank Erdman
Unfortunately hate speech is protected by the first admendment. One cannot censor it, rather, one should fight back in the blogosphere with the light of knowledge, which is the surest way to combat hatred and ignorance.

Ginelle
Yes, I most definitely do! There are too many religious fanatics, homophobes and people with definite mental health issues out there using this media as their platform to further their causes of poisonous hate towards racial minorities as well as the Gay community. While freedom of speech and expression are good things as long as they produce positive results, spreading vile and hate filled messages need to be controlled and monitored very carefully. There needs to be some way that this sort of activity is stopped, too many people suffer so much pain from hate whether it is physical or mental.

Anonymous
If you start censoring then it's only a matter of time before what you want to say becomes censored. Hate speech is so obviously from the ignorant that any person with cognitive ability can see it has no merit.

Anonymous
Yes and no! as odd as it may seem it's my opinion. It should be blocked because it isn't needed, we hear hat preaches every day why hear it again.But!, it should be up because it shows people's ignorance and people can hear how dumb those haters sound.They need to wake up to The Real World and know that we are all people. This is the year 2008, wake up everyone because like the sixties the times oh they are changing.

Thaddeus
I do not believe in censoring any form of speech. Furthermore, for those who are compelled to send me scathing e-mails, let's get some things clear first. I am a transgendered, atheist, black, FTM so I am fully aware of the vemon that censorship would protect me from. However, I am a proponent of the first amendment. Without it Dr. King would have never been able to stand over Lyndon B Johnson's shoulder on that historic day in 64. If that day never took place people like you and me would not be here like this.

Recovering Liberal
The Left wingers sure love the thought of censorship...while calling the Right wingers "fascists". Wish I had a buck for every borderline death threat /nazi reference I've read about GW Bush.... oh but that's just fine isn't it?? pfft!

Lew Alessio
When hatespeech becomes incendiary, yes. It's the old fire in the theatre reason. Well, this is the theatre.

C. Granger
And the first amendment doesn't apply to the blogosphere, why? Whether statements violate the first amendment has nothing to do with the medium through which they are made.

Anonymous
While I in no way condone hate in any forum, I do support one's right to free speech. We are entitled to our opinions and there is not law against voicing that opinion. The only way that I think it should be censored is if it is posted with the intention of causing physical harm to another person or persons. Otherwise, your opinion is your opinion.

Anonymous
Unfortunately, even people like Shirley Phelps are protected under free speech - sickening though it may be. We may not like what's said, but they have the right to say it.

Anonymous
Unfortunately, even people like Shirley Phelps are protected under free speech - sickening though it may be. We may not like what's said, but they have the right to say it.

Shawn
Hate speech should not be censored, it should be prosecuted - backed by tough laws that don't tolerate crimes against any identifiable minorities.

Anonymous
no, absolutely not. I think it should be protected under the First Amendment. I think Patrick Henry said something to the effect that he might disagree with what you have to say but he would defend to the death your right to say it. Judging what people can and can not say in the blogoshpere is a slippery slope - how can you censor someone's mind?

Anonymous
Just who's going to do the censoring? Why should a censor's thinking be any better for freedom than the source of the hate speech? Every town has its fool(s) and every village its idiot(s), and Cyberville, if anything, is going to be a bigger collection. That doesn't mean we turn the town square over to them, or censor them. Give them a sandbox and let them play, just don't join them (think Angels overcoming Phelps). For that matter, who's keeping the current RNC talking heads in business in the media 24-7? When Republicans drafted and signed a cyberpetition against Bush immigration legislation (clearly stating further contributions would not be given to RNC elements by name) our Cheerleader-In-Chief did a 180 in the headlines the same week!

Anonymous
We, the hated, need to know what people really think. Censorship is evil.

Cindy
That's a slippery slope we shouldn't go down. Who gets to decide what's considered "hate speech"? There are plenty of conservative right-wing religious nuts who think that everything we say is hate speech and wouldn't hesitate for one second to have us censored. So no, I'm going to have to err on the side of the First Amendment here.

EC
In a word, no. Censorship has a way of backfiring on the very people who support it. Besides, the right to free speech includes the right to look like an ignorant, hate-filled idiot. People who don't want to look stupid should say nothing.

Anonymous
Censorship is Censorship. Where does it end?

Anonymous
FUCK NO! It's a way to see how STUPID and hateful people really are. "Give them enough rope and they'll hang themselves!" People DO have the right to say what they are really thinking, even if it IS complete rubbish. I wouldn't want "them" censoring ME, so I have to give "them" the same benefit. I hold on to the hope that people will be able to see the difference between "speech" and "hate speech" for themselves.

Anonymous
I think it should be censored, however we live in a society where that type of speech is not only prevalent (on a daily basis I must add) but profitable. There are so many shock jocks that get paid to tell the masses how they dislike someone because of something they can not change like their race, sex, or orientation. It's sad and unfortunately it will continue.

Jack P
No--when something is hateful enough, it will be ignored. Any curbs on free speech can come back to bite us.

Well shut my mouth NOT!
Who is going to define "hate speech?" And once defined, then what other kind of speech shall we define as needing to be censored? "Gay speech?" "Atheist speech?" "Non-Christian speech?" If we start carving on a giant redwood tree, we will eventually have only a toothpick.

KJ
Free speech is the cornerstone of what makes America what it is. It is the core foundation of our form of a republic of well, at least supposedly equal peers. Therefore all speech should have the equal right of being uttered and judged by the populace, even hate speech. I wouldn't want to be silenced when I call evangelical leaders "ayatollahs of the right", and neither should they be forcibly silenced when they call me sodomite scum; ridiculed, perhaps, but never silenced.

Liam
No. Let the comments float in cyberspace to remind future generations. This isn't my quote but, "those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

Ryan M
The first amendment protects all speech, whether we like it or not.

Free thought for all
All ideas, no matter how vile or repugnant, should be free to be expressed. We should beat down such vile and repugnant expression of ideas with superior rational logic that is also full of respect, dignity and compassion. In this way, all of humankind can contrast vinegar with sugar and make its choice about which way to go.

Claire
I think it's important for people to see that there still is a lot of bigotry out there. Censorship will just mute the fact that these opinions still exist in high magnitude. It usually takes a high level of disgust for people to get active and work towards a change, so I think hate speech should be visible to all, so we may have the opportunity to actually BE disgusted and get active to turn it around.

David
I think if we censor any kind of speech, we may initally rationalize it as getting rid of something undesirable, or a stupid person, but where does it end? If we censor certain kinds of speech or people, it leaves us open to any kind of censorship, including but not limited to others' views of what should be censored (i.e. the religious right censoring something like Advocate). Not a good thing! We need to respect others' opinions even if we don't agree with it. ESPECIALLY if we don't agree!

W. Andrew Stricklin
We need to know what are enemies are saying, and the internet allows us to hear it and educate they are basing their opinions on feelings & fear and not facts!

Anonymous
no censorship. plain and simple.

Anonymous
I don't believe in censorship.

Qris J
No. Censorship is oppressive & has no place in a democratic society. Instead, hate speech ought to be countered with rational speech, lots of it & loudly.

B. Rogers
NO , ABSOLUTELY NOT! I may not like what someone has to say, but I'd rather have them have the right to do so, because though I loathe hate speech, it's good to know WHO your enemies are, WHAT they are up to, and if I can't stand it, I simply stop reading the blog. It's really that simple- if you don't like what you're reading, hearing, seeing etc, than change the channel, turn off the set or pc., don't have the abortion if you don't believe in them etc. It's a no-brainer. Of course, I ALWAYS reserve the right to dissent, voice my opinion etc as should we all!

Marc Fanelli
The same first ammendment that gives us GLBT people the right to speak out protects those who hold opposing views.

Keith Anddrews
That's a slippery slope.

Keith Anddrews
That's a slippery slope.

Si McKy
Beyond the First Amendment issues (my interpretation of the First Amendment is that hate speech is often--but not always--protected speech), I also think it's better to let the ugliness just be out there. I personally think that it's better for people to occasionally encounter hate speech and develop a personal experience with it, because the majority of people will reject it outright. If hate speech is censored, it tends to arouse curiosity and gains more exposure than if it weren't censored. When it is uncensored, it tends to attract little or no attention. Just look at Fred Phelps. Here's my take on him: if he were censored, he couldn't have had the positive impact on gay rights that he has had--since most people (even straight people who don't know any gay people) have had a personal encounter with his hate speech, at least on the news, people are forced to process it and the vast majority come to the conclusion that he's wacko. Now, if he had been censored, lots of people on the religious right would have been standing up in defense of him and his ideas, and then his ideas might have gained more traction.

Anonymous
Everyone has the right to say something.

Anonymous
Freedom of speech. Even assholes have the right to bitch.

Barbara Yunker
Every American has the right to free speech on the Internet, no exceptions. Doesn't The Advocate also voice its opinions freely every month without censorship? What if the magazine was forbidden to insult Christians, Republicans, Red Staters and George Bush? In the same article, the author wrote, "There are, after all, large swaths of the country that remain staunchly ignorant and bigoted."

Mario
I want to say yes but wouldnt you rather know whats on peoples minds rather than look the other way and hope for the best--I'd like to know who my enemies are and how dangerous they are.

Brian-Columbus Oh
Absolutely Not!!!!! We have already lost enough liberties. Anyone who says yes, deserves to lose theirs!

Thomas Jackson
We should uphold and respect any individuals right to give their opinion. Unfortunately people need to know how to filter the truth from the lies.

Sally
Freedom of speech works both ways. You can't silence people just because you don't agree with them. If that's the way this country conducted itself (and I know that to a small degree it does and has censored things that whoever's in power doesn't like), then queer people never would have made the progress that we have.

Rick
We might not like hate speech, but censorship is even worse.

Michael
We should NEVER trounce on any of our American freedoms . . . Especially the right to free speech; no matter how hateful. If we compromise on one of our rights we'll soon loose others, not to mention toughen the fight to gain new liberties.

Roger B.
The whole idea of censoring is abhorrent to me. Where will it stop and how will it affect OUR free speech rights? What we DO need to do is educate our straight brothers and sisters that we are just like them except in our sexual orientation. That we don't pose a threat to them, THEIR marriages or THEIR families is something they are slowly coming to understand. We're making progress. Let's not jeopordize it!

D.J.
No. Leave it there so decent people can see it, and be reminded not to become complacent.

Anonymous
NO! Speech, no matter how vile and offensive, is covered as a right under the First Amendment. If we start whittling at our rights, for whatever reason, we will soon no longer have a Bill of Rights.

Anonymous
Speech is speech, and is still free here, for now. We should probably be doing everything we can to keep it that way, lest we find ourselves the ones being censored next.

Anonymous
When we interfere with free speech at that level, we give permission for other types of free speech to be similarly censored.

Anonymous
Free speech is free speech. We shouldn't limit its expression for anyone, no matter how repulsive. I wouldn't want the other side limiting my freedom to express myself.

Anonymous
I do, but they should determine what is "hate". The bible will always be around, and it's ingrained in the minds of Christian's, so hate will always be around, but when "hate" advocates harming a group or class of people it's more than just hate, and that should be censored. Advocating violence or harm toward anyone should be censored, and I do not consider threats "Free Speech". Free Speech is when the American people ban together to fight and picket an imperialists government. It was added because European governments would put those people in jail for protesting. When Fred Phelps says that Gay people should be stoned to death, that is threatening speech and should not be allowed. People who threaten should be fined or jailed.

Anonymous
Why do you keep posting these crappy poll questions?

David
No, so long as it stays level. For every person who posts something hateful, they are opening themselves up to the same verbal retaliation. It's when the retaliation gets censored instead that we have a problem. Hate speech has been protected, but so has the protesting of hate speech. When one starts to get limited we get in trouble very quickly.

Anonymous
no, it shouldn't. blogs are personal platforms, so the first amendment should apply. however, if a blogger posted hate speech and then committed a hate crime, anything the person put on the blog should be fair game for the prosecution. lgbt people -- particularly those of us who are isolated or closeted -- have gained a lot from web 2.0. we have a lot to lose but little to gain if online censorship becomes the norm.

Joe
Censoring is never the answer; it just forces the speakers underground. We have the right of free speech in this country, so that we can get ideas -- good and bad, friendly and hateful -- out into the open to be discussed and confronted. That which is unsaid is unanswered, and the censored citizens are unchallenged and unchanged.

Anonymous
There must be freedom for everyone, or none of us.

Mark
So who defines hate speech? You, me? Because I can almost guarantee that I can pick apart any argument you have concerning hate speech

Anonymous
No speach should be censored, unless that speach is libelous. Now, that said, most of the hate speach going on IS libelous (lies and malicious rumors), so in that respect, then yes, it should be censored. However, simply saying "I hate gay people (or black people, or Jews, or whatever) is still a free expression of one's opinion, and while I may completely disagree with such statements, as an American, I would defend the speaker's right to say it.

Previous Polls

April 23, 2008
Thomas Beatie
Did Thomas Beatie's going public with his pregnancy hurt the transgender movement?

April 9, 2008
Cleaning Up the Planet
Who is most responsible for cleaning up the planet?

March 26, 2008
LGBT Artists
Are you more likely to support an artist if he or she identifies as LGBT?

March 14, 2008
Caution in Expression of Identity
Should LGBT teens exercise caution in expressing their identity?

March 6, 2008
Politics
Would you vote against a pro-gay GOP senator to seat a Democrat?

February 22, 2008
MRSA
Have you ever had a MRSA infection?

January 25, 2008
Hate Speech
Do you think hate speech in the blogosphere should be censored?

January 14, 2008
Taking HIV Seriously
Do you think people are taking HIV less seriously now that they see it as a manageable disease?

December 18, 2007
2007
Was 2007 a turning point for gay rights?

December 10, 2007
Your Vote?
Who are you backing for president?

November 16, 2007
Health Insurance
Does your company offer domestic -partner insurance?

November 7, 2007
Candidates' Antigay Stances
Are the candidates' antigay stances genuine or a ploy to get votes?

October 19, 2007
Halloween
Do you feel that straights spoil the gay Halloween experience?

October 5, 2007
LGBT Policies
Do you research a company's LGBT policies before buying?

September 24, 2007
Sexual Fluidity
Is sexuality naturally more fluid for women than men?

September 11, 2007
Craig a lawbreaker?
Do you think Sen. Larry Craig is guilty of committing a crime?

August 24, 2007
Sexual harassment
Are gay bosses more vulnerable to sexual harassment charges than straight bosses?

August 10, 2007
Faith-based
Do you consider yourself a faith-based voter?

July 19, 2007
Female sex symbol
Who is the next great female sex symbol?

July 9, 2007
Severing ties
Does it matter if the Anglican Communion severs ties with the Episcopal Church?