The ACLU defended the right of the Klan to march. This is different than a Klansman being on trial for his car crashing into a bus stop full of black kids, and

The ACLU defended the right of the Klan to march. This is different than a Klansman being on trial for his car crashing into a bus stop full of black kids, and then publicly announcing before sentencing that "I'm only sorry I didn't kill any of darkies." The Klansman's own words are used to show intent. Without them, he might legitimately argue that it was a honest accident. Maybe believably, depending on other evidence. Using someone's own words against them in court is not a violation of freedom of speech. Intent matters, and that doesn't mean we have thought-crime.