> And what exactly is "hate speech"? Generally, it's public speech intended offend, harass, or threaten a group of people that is defined by an inherent trait

> And what exactly is "hate speech"? Generally, it's public speech intended offend, harass, or threaten a group of people that is defined by an inherent trait (e.g. skin color, sex/gender, sexual orientation), in addition to legally defined protected classes (e.g. religion, disability). The SCOTUS has generally ruled that hate speech is protected by the first amendment, with only very narrow exceptions (e.g. credible, imminent threats). > Black lives matter? Obviously not hate speech. Asking for the rights of black people to be respected isn't a threat or harassment. > White lives matter? Assuming you are referring to groups such as those protesting recently in Charlottesville, then this might be hate speech. A lot of speech wouldn't qualify, but the chants that specifically targeted protected groups probably do count as hate speech. Details matter a lot, but it's probably reasonably safe to assume the protest became hate speech when the chant "You will not replace us!" became "Jews will not replace us!" > Black lives matter? Obviously not hate speech. Political opinions are never a protected class.