I have long respected Britain’s laws on free speech and its common-sense application of the law. In the UK, the government can restrict this right if you encourage violence or other forms of harm against other people. The First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution broadly protects speech and guarantees the rights of individuals to speak freely, regardless of the intent or consequence. The Constitution also forbids governmental restrictions on this right. The trans-Atlantic debate has been greatly influenced by right-wing ideology and is coming to a head.

Linehan is a known, unapologetic homophobe. The social media comment, which got him arrested, urged violence against trans people. He encouraged people who come across a transgender woman in a space designated for females to “make a scene…punch him in the balls.” In an already hostile environment for LGBTQA+ community members, such incitement only intensifies the hostility. This is evidenced by the growing attacks on trans women in the US and the UK. Linehan’s remarks are clearly outside of Britain’s free speech protections.

The MAGA movement has consistently used hate-filled rhetoric under the guise of free speech. At times, they have directly encouraged their supporters to engage in violence. Extremist attacks are on the rise, and it is clear that many of the offenders look to the commander-in-chief for inspiration, guidance, and cover. The January 6 insurrection and the exoneration of all those accused or convicted of murder, assault, trespassing, and destruction of federal property are a powerful example of this.

Right-wing extremists keep pushing a false narrative that the left is more culpable or equally culpable for hate speech and the violence that can follow it. A report recently published by The Economist revealed that nearly 80 percent of extremist-related murders were committed by those on the right. A substantial body of evidence indicates that since 2002, individuals affiliated with the right have caused more deaths than any other group and have been involved in many more acts of domestic terrorism. It is deceitful to equate left-wing and right-wing extremism as the same regarding the rising violence dividing us. The finger of harmful political behavior points squarely to the right, and the facts are undeniable.

The rise of authoritarianism has been boosted by right-wing media, especially social media platforms. Conservative talk shows, podcasts, and religious stations have infected the public discourse. The five biggest tech companies in the world are right here in the U.S. and are complicit in amplifying the MAGA agenda. Together, they have created a twisted ideological web of air and cyberspace frequencies to trap and influence the millions who drink their special cocktail. The nonstop dosages of hate against immigrants, racial groups, and transgender people are guaranteed to poison the hearts and minds of those who imbibe. They have been effective at spreading white supremacist and xenophobic propaganda wrapped in Christian nationalism, and even more effective in getting like-minded candidates elected to carry out Project 2025.

Pro-democratic truth-tellers must unite to squash the false narrative that domestic terrorism and political violence come equally from both sides. We must be clear about the source of the cancer, or we cannot effectively treat the disease. Authoritarianism will metastasize, and democracy will die. This is the diagnosis our country faces currently, but the prognosis is in the hands of its people.

Editor’s Note: Since this column was written, Jimmy Kimmel has been reinstated by ABC.