"You're free to do X but that doesn't mean the government can't take adverse action in response" is true of literally all crimes. You're free to go blow up a co

"You're free to do X but that doesn't mean the government can't take adverse action in response" is true of literally all crimes. You're free to go blow up a courthouse, but will be arrested and probably executed. That isn't what freedom means. The Bill of Rights guarantees the government can't legally sanction you for protected speech. Any sanctions at all. It doesn't only keep them from severing your vocal chords to prevent speech entirely. They also can't imprison you, fine you, intimidate you, or prevent you from competing in otherwise open contract bids.