Hate speech is a term that has been in use for decades and refers to any speech or expression that promotes discrimination or hostility towards a particular group based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. While the concept of hate speech is widely recognized, the definition of what constitutes hate speech varies widely between countries and cultures.
In the United States, for example, hate speech is protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech. The Supreme Court has held that even speech that is offensive or hateful is still protected under the First Amendment, with exceptions only for speech that poses a direct and immediate threat of harm. As a result, the United States has some of the most permissive laws regarding hate speech in the world.
In contrast, many European countries have adopted laws that criminalize hate speech. In Germany, for example, it is illegal to make statements that incite hatred or violence against groups based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. The country also has strict laws against denying the Holocaust, which is considered a form of hate speech. Similarly, in France, it is illegal to make statements that promote racial or religious hatred, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.