Although not a constitutional right, freedom of expression should never be valued over political correctness. I hold this opinion for at least three reasons.
Reason 1: Without the right to speak up, terrible social injustices might still exist in the Western world. In America, civil and women's rights didn't just spontaneously arise one day. Not too long ago, the inferiority of women and African-Americans were, simply put, taken as social facts. Without public demonstrations, rallies, and other means of expressing disapproval with the status quo, it might still be the case that we hold opinions that not only now seem laughable and morally outrageous, but that also contradict scientific fact.
Reason 2: Without the right to speak up, social progress through civil discussion would not be possible. Currently, Holocaust denial is illegal in 14 European countries (
Wikipedia link). According to the linked page, these laws exist to prevent the resurgence of Nazism. In my opinion, these are some of the most ridiculous laws ever enacted. If continental Europe should have learned anything from the 20th century, it's that suppression almost always leads to some form of rebellion. If people still harbor antisemitic feelings, and if they deny that the Holocaust ever occurred, then they should be able to express these feelings and opinions so that they can be engaged in discussion that shows them how wrong they are in their convictions (or, in the case of their feelings, how wrong the assumptions they base these feelings on are). Outlawing the expression of these opinions does nothing to remedy the fact that they are still held by some people.
Reason 3: Without the right to speak up, we will never be able to overcome, or at least identify, our fears, desires, and aspirations. This one goes in tandem with reason 2, and the same logic underlies it.
