Freedom of Speech

The concept is very much under scrutiny right now. If there are consequences for speech then does freedom of speech exist?

I would argue that freedom of speech only applies to criminal law, not civil or employment law. You should be protected from criminal prosecution but not from civil or employment action. If you say something controversial then you don't go to jail, that's freedom of speech. If you say something controversial and get fired from your job, that's a business protecting its brand. If you have issue with the fairness of your dismissal then you handle that via employment tribunal.

If you say something controversial and get sued then that would fall under defamation, namely slander or libel. You should not have the freedom to lie where it is to the detriment of others.

When people campaign to get you fired for saying controversial things, that's not an attack on your freedom of speech. That's not the state imposing or enforcing a law which stifles your freedom.

In essence, freedom of speech is a contract between you and the state, not you and every other individual or business.

That's my take on it 🤔