Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) expressed support for the protection of hate speech under the Constitution on Tuesday, while also advocating for repercussions against those who revel in the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“The First Amendment certainly protects your speech,” Cruz stated during an appearance at Politico’s AI & Tech Summit.
He emphasized, “It safeguards hate speech, it safeguards despicable speech, it safeguards horrible speech.” He added that individuals cannot be prosecuted for “evil and wrong” speech stemming from bias.
The discourse surrounding free speech has intensified recently, particularly in the wake of those justifying political violence after Kirk’s tragic shooting.
Attorney General Pam Bondi remarked on a podcast Monday that hate speech isn’t shielded by the law, stating, “We will definitely target you, and if you’re directing hate speech at people, we will pursue you.”
She later clarified her comments, asserting, “Hate speech that crosses into the realm of violence is not protected by the First Amendment. It’s a crime.”
Cruz criticized a faction on the left that seemingly celebrated Kirk’s death, suggesting they thought he deserved it due to his political beliefs, yet he insisted these individuals should face legal consequences.
“We’ve observed many on the left, not everyone, but far too many, celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk,” Cruz noted. He cited instances of this behavior among teachers and university professors online.
In his words, “They should absolutely face consequences for celebrating murder.”
Cruz referenced a college student who dressed in a Ku Klux Klan costume and defended violence against Black individuals.
“You can’t be charged for that under the First Amendment, so no jail time will come from it,” he explained. “But I believe you can certainly be ostracized for it, and you should be.”
He also suggested a strategy of “naming and embarrassment,” drawing on the ideas of British philosopher John Stuart Mill.
“Naming and shaming are essential elements of a healthy, vibrant democracy,” Cruz concluded.
