Carpenter's Union members are all homosexual?

[o_|404|innoc-tpf-]

Labor dispute in Las Vegas

A business owner in Las Vegas, as part of an ongoing labor dispute, hangs out a sign that reads:

"CARPENTERS UNION MEMBERS ARE ALL HOMOSEXUALS AND THATS WHY THE IRON WORKERS ALL HAVE TO BEAT THEM UP!"

Oh c'mon now... Don't we have one or two Vegas residents on these forums? Have you seen the sign?

Do you guys believe this kind of thing deserves 1st amendment protection?

[o_jinx]

Isn't it intended slander or libel?

Also, it is so obviously stupid that it reflects more poorly on the person saying it.

[o_|404|innoc-tpf-]

Slander is spoken and libel is written so of the two it's potentially libel. I agree that it reflects poorly on the author...but does it deserve 1st amendment protection? Is libel ok under that circumstance?

[o_uber]

People always demand freedom of speech and the First Amendment, so long as it abides to what they agree with.

That doesn't necessarily mean I agree with the message. Contrast with my first quote in my signature. It was terrible business move and totally unprofessional, but we must weigh liberty with nuisance. A true American will always favor the former.

[o_|404|innoc-tpf-]

Protected speech isn't absolute Uber. There are limits. Does this mean that you think the banner would qualify as protected speech? Honestly, it does edge dangerously close to libel as I read it.

[o_psycnet]

For once I agree with Uber. It isn't hate speech, and should be protected by the 1st as the 1st is written.

Of course, I'm agreeing on purely libertarian grounds. The result of whether he's slapped with a successful libel suit or not is purely up the America's wishy-washy up and down court system (and lawyers)

[o_jinx]

Originally Posted by uBeR

People always demand freedom of speech and the First Amendment, so long as it abides to what they agree with.

I think the rule of thumb, though, is that our liberties stop at the point where they start infringing on the liberties of others. For example, we have freedom of religion- but if your religion involves cannibalism, that part of it ain't happening here, because it infringes on the right of other citizens not to be eaten.

Similarly, a KKK parade or rally isn't protected because it is nothing but racist hate speech.

There are also people like bl4h, who not only don't deserve free speech, but should probably be gagged on general principle for the well-being of society.

[o_uber]

Actually a KKK parade is protected. Again, people demand freedom of speech so long as they agree with what's being said.

It's no surprise college students overwhelmingly demand freedom of speech. But when asked if they should allow an Ku Klux Klan member to speak at their school they vehemently reject the idea.