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expanded definition of hate speech + created section on US policy
'''Hate speech''' is provocative speech used to denigrate a legally protected class or group of citizens defined by legislation. These protected groups can include gender, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, disability, and sometimes age. While language to protect other victim classes has been proposed, the Democratically controlled [[110th Congress]] has rejected protections against the military, pregnant and battered women, or the homeless. Under some legal codes, hate speech can be considered a [[hate crime]].
'''Hate speech''' is provocative speech used to denigrate a legally protected class or group of citizens based on personal characteristics of that individual, and in some cases defined by various forms of legislation. Characteristics which are the target of hate crimes can include race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, or any other identifying or differing attributes from that of the perpetrator of hate speech. Under some legal codes, hate speech can be considered a [[hate crime]].
Forms of hate speech include [[Homophobia]].
Forms of hate speech include [[Homophobia]].
== Hate Speech in the United States. ==
Currently, the federal government, and many states, are legally barred from expressly prohibiting hate speech. At the federal level, hate speech is protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment explicitly grants all Americans the right, under federal law, to practice all types of speech and forms of expression, including specifically that which some may consider to be offensive or derogatory.<ref>Terminiello v. City of Chicago, 337 U.S. 1 (1949)</ref>
Situations in which hate speech may be prosecuted as illegal, and thus where the first amendment is not applicable, include instances of obscenity, defamation, incitement to riot, or the use of "fighting words". Instances of incitement only can qualify as criminal however if there is a clear threat of violence being imminent.<ref>Chaplinsky v. State of New Hampshire, 315 U.S. 568 (1942)</ref>
While language to protect other victim classes has been proposed, the Democratically controlled [[110th Congress]] has rejected protections against the military, pregnant and battered women, or the homeless.
== Use of Term to Censor Religious Speech ==
== Use of Term to Censor Religious Speech ==