Chiles v. Salazar · ¶31
The First Amendment “envisions the United States as a rich and complex place” where all enjoy the “ `freedom to think as you will and to speak as you think.' ” 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, 600 U. S. 570, 584, 603 (2023) (quoting Boy Scouts of America v. Dale, 530 U. S. 640, 660–661 (2000)). Often, speech may prove illuminating and inspiring. Sometimes, it can be misguided, offensive, or cause “incalculable grief.” Snyder v. Phelps, 562 U. S. 443, 456 (2011). But either way, the First Amendment protects the inalienable right of every individual to decide for himself “how best to speak.” Riley v. National Federation of Blind of N. C., Inc., 487 U. S. 781, 791 (1988). In this Nation, no official— “high or petty”—may command our tongues or silence our voices. West Virginia Bd. of Ed. v. Barnette, 319 U. S. 624, 642 (1943).Read in context ›
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