Firstly, let me clarify Freedom of Speech. Freedom of Speech means you cannot be arrested or convicted based on speech. It does not in any way mean that anyone owes you a podium to say it, however. If a television show, an event/rally, or any sort of media is cancelled, that is not in any way a violation of the First Amendment. You have the right to say what you want, but you may be doing it on your own, providing your own channel/private function to do so. That’s how the First Amendment works. It does not, however, cover inciting actions that would harm others.

So, why would we have a problem with your freedom of speech? Because it is harmful, divisive, and can spark violence. The speeches calling LGBTQ+ “pedophiles” is clearly meant to turn society even further against a community that has already been victims of bullying and abuse throughout their lives. Pushing conversion therapy, which is proven ineffective at anything other than psychological harm, can push many struggling with their identities to suicide. Stating that your way is the “only” way, demonizing others that live differently from you, is cruel, and has absolutely no benefit to society. Just because you CAN say something, doesn’t mean you SHOULD.

Additionally, shootings and violence against marginalized people is a growing problem. Speaking hateful rhetoric and painting the LGBTQ+ community as malevolent emboldens those already struggling with hostile homophobia, which could provoke the next hate crime or mass murder. If your message is about love, then try to stick to that script.

Human Rights Campaign – The Lies and Dangers of Efforts to Change Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

USA Today – Anti-LGBT hate crimes are rising, the FBI says. But it gets worse

United States Courts – What Does Free Speech Mean?