"One of the essential pillars of our democracy is that speech, especially political speech, which may be uncomfortable or even confrontational, be afforded the highest protection under the Constitution," Hetznecker told me. "In 2011, the Supreme Court reinforced these protections in the Westboro Baptist case, ruling that disruptive, uncomfortable speech on matters of public importance, in a public forum, is protected under the First Amendment. The 'heckler's veto' doctrine is not applicable in this context, as that doctrine applies to government censorship that completely prohibits speech before it is made based upon the anticipated negative reaction of the listener. Raising a dissenting voice in a public forum regarding a matter of public importance is protected by the First Amendment."