With the presidential election of Donald Trump, as well as increasing animosity between cultures; we as a global populous need to consider if the right to free speech should be endorsed.

Alt-right commentator Lauren Southern recently visited Australia, in response people were outraged that her “Nazi” views and that she was allowed to hold a lecture at all. In response Southern was banned from speaking in New Zealand the week after.

However, this bring into question the whole notion of free speech, and the fine line of when it crosses into hate speech.

As digital media becomes as increasingly large part of daily life, should online content that boards free speech and that of hate speech be banned. Or does banning hate speech mean that we as a society limit that which we deem free?

PHILIP WOLMUTH PHOTOGRAPHY

Individuals need to be cautious of what they are publishing online. Although sharing personal opinions is important and a “right” that we are entitled too, I believe sharing hate fuelled views is grounds to not be employed or be expelled from an educational institution.

However, the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that hate speech is categorically excluded by the first amendment. Although, it may still be punished if threatening or violent.

So my question to readers is, should individuals have the “right” to share hate speech under the guise of free speech? Because personally, I don’t think anyone has the “right” to be racist, misogynist or homophobic – no matter what they call it.

Until next time,

-Lawra