Charlie Kirk and free speech

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The shooting of conservative US activist Charlie Kirk has intensified what was already a bitter divide between those who found him inspiring, and those who believed he spread hate with his views on subjects like gay marriage, Islam and abortion. Since he was killed at a university rally in Utah, some fear the whole idea of free speech and what it means is now in the balance. We hear from some of Kirk’s supporters, and from others who worry about where the US is heading. William He is a liberal activist and commentator, “I think extremism on either side will be our downfall. And if we fail to change course, we are headed for a very dark road ahead of radicalism and extremism and violence.” Others support free speech, but believe it brings responsibilities. “Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. We’re not going to create legislation and make laws against what you can say. But society has the right to ostracise you,” says Kirk supporter Jordan Goodwin. She believes employers have the right to fire staff who express extreme views, as has happened in the wake of Kirk’s death. Presenter: Rahul Tandon BBC producers: Angela Sheeran, Ben Davis and Adam Chowdhury Boffin Media producer: Anne McNaught An EcoAudio certified Boffin Media production in partnership with the OS team. (Photo: Jordan Goodwin with Charlie Kirk at Turning Point's first Black Leadership Summit in 2018. Credit J Goodwin)