Freedom of speech is a core principle in classical liberalism and should be protected by law in any democratic nation. It is worth noting that, here in New Zealand, it is neither entrenched in law nor absolute. Instead, freedom of expression is loosely protected by the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. In theory, the law enforces the right to speak, associate, to think, and to participate in the democratic process. Liberalism emphasises tolerance and dignity. A person does not have to agree with their fellow citizens about important issues, but acknowledge that each individual should get to decide what they are, who they are, what they think, and how they express themselves without interference from the State. In theory, liberalism lowers the temperature of politics, though I think this evening it's not working out so well, so it probably reflects more on what's happening on the Government side over there.