Reply #4: " . . but do we send people to jail for bad thoughts?"

[msmcghee]

In this case it was more than a thought. It was a statement. There are limits to free speech - crying "Fire" in a crowded theater being the classic example. There are also laws against inciting riots, libel, slander, etc.

The idea I believe is that speech that endangers others' well being, safety or their lives is not free speech and carries legal consequences when it is used purposely for those reasons. i.e. Veracity and intent matter.

Holocaust denial is part of a social movement - not just an individual's personal thoughts. It is used to demean others socially and threaten their safety. Does it cross the line?

I'd say it's up to each democracy to draw that line where it deems it most appropriate.