Laws criminalizing so called “hate speech” are spreading throughout Europe. Politicians, priests, political commentators, and private citizens have been censored, fine, arrested, investigated, and prosecuted. While defenders claim that such laws foster civil discourse, they often have the opposite effect. The rise of such laws has had a devastating effect on the freedom of speech and the capacity of citizens to deliberate on the questions of the day. With the push to ban hate speech gaining momentum here in America it is important for all concerned citizens to think about how it can be countered.

Paul Coleman is the author of Censored: Why European Laws are a Threat to Free Speech. He is executive director of ADF International, overseeing the advocacy and operations of the global, alliance-building human rights organization. Coleman was part of the legal team in the historic Eweida and others v. United Kingdom case, where the court handed down a landmark ruling on religious freedom.

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