Why regulate hate speech? Considerations on human dignity

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7984.2025.e102113

Keywords:

Freedom of speech, Hate speech, Social bases of self-respect, Dignity

Abstract

In this paper, I would like to investigate a question which, confronted with the natural connection between freedom of speech and another fundamental values, is apparently counterintuitive: in which measure freedom of speech (or certain regimes of freedom of speech) can contribute to weaken such values, instead of strengthen them? Above all, I would like to think in which measure the most restrictive position regarding speech regulation contributes to the flourishing of a democratic society. The paper discuses two arguments present in the literature opposed to speech regulation. The first one suggests that laws against hate speech impose restrictions to autonomy (Baker, 1997; 2010). The second one assumes that legislation that penalizes hate expressions weakens the legitimacy of anti-discrimination laws (Dworking, 2006; 2010). I intend to suggest that a regime of freedom of speech  that follows the restrictive position actually operates the opposite of what those authors affirm: in encouraging the spreading of prejudices and the inducement of hate, it fosters a hostile environment towards certain social groups e clashes with the idea of human dignity, which is paramount to the constitution of a democratic society (Waldron, 2012).

Author Biography

Renato Francisquini, UFBA

Doutor em Ciência Política pela Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Professor do Departamento de Ciência Política e do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Política da UFBA. Pesquisador do Centro de Estudos e Pesquisas em Humanidades (CRH/UFBA), do Grupo Democracia, Participação e Representação (Depare) e do Núcleo de Estudos em Teoria Política e Instituições (Nutepi).

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Published

2026-02-20

Issue

Vol. 24 (2025): Política & Sociedade, vol. 24, Jan./Dez. de 2025.

Section

Special Issue 2 - Values and Institutions. A research agenda for Political Science

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