Americans more tolerant of speech offensive to religion and minorities People should be able to make statements that are People should be able to make statements that are offensive to your religion or beliefs publicly offensive to minority groups publicly
There is greater tolerance in the U.S. than in Europe for offensive speech. A solid majority (77%) of Americans believe citizens should be allowed to make statements that are offensive to people’s religious beliefs, a significantly higher share of the public than in any of the European Union nations included in our 2015 survey. In Poland, Germany and Italy, fewer than half think this kind of speech should be legal. Similarly, Americans are more likely to say offensive statements about minority groups should be permitted.
Americans more tolerant of speech offensive to religion and minorities  | People should be able to make statements that are  | People should be able to make statements that are  | offensive to your religion or beliefs publicly  | offensive to minority groups publicly  | U.S  | 7 %  | U.S  | 67%  | UK  | 57  | Spa in  | 57  | Spa in  | 54  | UK  | 54  | France  | 53  | France  | 51  | Poland  | Poland  | 40  | 41  | Germany  | 38  | Italy  | 32  | Germany  | Italy  | 29  | 27  | Source: Spring 2015 Global Attitudes Survey  | "5 ways Americans and Europeans are different"  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 