Julia, even Canada (not to mention Europe) openly admits that there is no right to free speech there. Yeah, sure, they say they have it - but then in the same breath they say it should be "balanced" against other values (such as multiculturalism). Just try saying anything offensive to Muslims (or homosexuals - unless, of course, you are a Muslim yourself) there and you will know what I mean. Brigitte Bardot already has multiple convictions for blasphemy (against Islam, of course), and the leader of the third biggest Dutch party is now on trial for the same offense. For Canada, just google the names Mark Steyn and Ezra Klein. Our First Amendment is an exception rather than the rule - even among civilized nations.