The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is as follows:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Most Americans tend to think they are living in such a way that respects these rights. But it seems that more and more people are engaging in behavior that would contradict that belief. When we hear that speeches have been canceled, interrupted, or drowned out by protesting, we are no longer surprised. Though these protesters are within their right to peacefully assemble, by shouting and forcing the speaker to stop or cancel their speech, they are violating that person’s First Amendment right. Although, if the person speaking is inciting hate or violence, there may be a case for censoring them. It’s a complicated matter, but ultimately, people probably shouldn’t call themselves supporters of the constitution if they’re violating others’ right to free speech just because they don’t agree with the opinion presented.
Frequently, the same people that stop discussions are the same people that have the least to contribute to it. They have no solutions themselves, so the only way they can push their agenda is by derailing any discussions happening around them. We have to oppose this form of bullying, which is bred from hate and can lead to violent encounters. Everyone deserves to have their First Amendment rights respected (unless they are inciting hate and violence), even if you don’t agree with their given opinion.
