Don’t call yourself a free speech absolutist if you don’t really understand what it is and it’s implications, both positive and negative. It ain’t always pretty, but it is necessary.

Within its sphere, people are allowed to make mistakes and be given a redemption arc. If your whole thing is just to be able to say whatever you want but when it comes to your opposition bring up any rule to limit speech then it isn’t free speech.

The good, the bad and the ugly, all need to have it out. Unless it is malicious with a clear intent of causing harm, and there is no remorse or a will to seek redemption, then that actually becomes a criminal offense and moves out of the sphere of free speech.