A New York Republican congressman got harsh feedback on Saturday after he apparently misstated what the U.S. Constitution says about hate speech.
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY), one of the lawmakers who called for George Santos to be expelled, posted on social media that hate speech is excepted from the freedom of speech that's protected in the American constitution.
"Our First Amendment comes with very few limitations," the GOP Rep. wrote. "Yet, one of those worthy limitations is hate speech."
He added, "A first-year law student understands this and so should the presidents of our 'greatest' institutions of learning." He appeared to be referencing the antisemitic hate speech at top-tier college campuses, and how some school presidents refused to condemn it as against their schools' policies.
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Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist, replied to the post with, "The First Amendment protects your vile hate speech against it."
Former Tea Party congressman Joe Walsh (R-IL), who also has slammed "pathetic" Santos, chimed in on the apparent mistake, as well.
"At first I thought this was a parody account," Walsh wrote. "Congressman, for someone who took an oath to defend the Constitution, you don't understand the Constitution."
He added that hate speech "is allowed in America."
"The First Amendment PROTECTS hate speech," Walsh added. "Please correct this."
It does not seem as though LaLota corrected the post, instead apparently opting to delete it. In its place, there is now a post that reads, "A big thanks to all Servicemembers, First Responders, public employees, and medical staff who will be away from their families on Christmas because they are answering the call of duty. Thankful for their sacrifice!"
But the internet doesn't forget. In the comments of the new post, several people called out the Republican.
"Posting our Constitutional right to free speech is limited if we criticize Israel is cringe. You should resign from shame of being traitorous," one wrote.
