Double standards on freedom of speech

[FatAndFaithless]

Should that make it better, or okay? A right to free speech, provided that you're super quiet and don't talk to too many people?

I have my doubts related to the "holocaust denial" - I can understand it, and I'd probably support it if I was a jew, but I also reckon there are good cons. My interest is to find a balance.

There's actually a difference between informal speech and public speech, and some things can only be a crime if they're said in public. In private you can hold any position you want. As my professor said, no one is stopping you from being a fascist or racist, just don't bring it up on national television or when giving a speech for your party. It's unfair and double standarded, but there are reasons for it.

I suppose that's a difference between Portgual and America then. In the US you are lawfully allowed to be as racist, fascist, socialist, Stalinist, bigoted, hippy-dippy, or misinformed as you like in public. And frankly I think that's a far healthier way to run a society than labeling certain topics as "too-offensive" for discussion.

If people don't like discussing something, they can leave the discussion. The state doesn't need to make that decision for them.