Free speech is not free of consequences

The First Amendment of the Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law restricting an establishment of religion, prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the right of the people to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”  

What does this mean? This means the government of the United States gives people the freedom of speech, religion and the freedom of the press. This has come into question recently with The Jimmy Kimmel Show being taken off air recently because of a joke he made during the show. 

According to nytimes.com, Jimmy Kimmel got pulled off the air because of an insensitive joke regarding the passing of Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk.  

Many people were outraged, saying this was a violation of First Amendment rights.

According to bbc.com, celebrities including Ben Stiller spoke out on this saying, “This isn’t right.” So, is this an example of the First Amendment being violated? 

The First Amendment is very easily interpreted. As stated, it protects the people from the government stepping in and telling the people what they can and can’t say. However, this doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. In the situation with Jimmy Kimmel, the government did not take him off air; his employer ABC did.  

So, how do we determine the consequences we get for what we say? It’s all up to your employer. For example, if I were to go into work and tell my employer that I hate working for them, I’m probably going to get fired.  

Although you have the right to say whatever you want, it doesn't mean you won’t face the consequences that come along with it. Employers normally have a code of conduct that allows you to see what you can and can’t say. 

In Jimmy Kimmel’s situation, his first amendment rights were not violated. The government didn’t enforce any punishment on him or take him off air; his employer did.

This is just another sticky situation of people not knowing the full protections of freedom of speech and freedom of consequences.  

If you feel like your first amendment rights are being violated, you can visit www.aclualabama.org to determine what your first amendment rights protect.