When Does Free Speech Become Hate Speech?

Forum examines the difference

Last summer’s deadly violence during a white supremacist gathering in Virginia is a catalyst for a panel discussion this evening at Marygrove College. Organizers say it’s an effort to better understand the difference between hate speech and free speech. Julie Hurwitz is an attorney and board member of the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights. She says some hate speech becomes fascist.   

“At what point does hate speech transform from being protected speech to being conduct that is not protected. And there’s also the significant discussion of one the one hand we have the legal arena and on the other hand we have the political issue”

 

Hurwitz says the discussion includes questions about when speech is expressed as an opinion or becomes a call to action against the rights of other people. Tonight’s panel discussion begins at 7pm and is open to everyone.

 

Author

  • Amy Miller
    Amy has been working in public and commercial radio for the last 30 yrs. She is an award winning reporter and news anchor, born and raised in Detroit.