Phil Robertson's anti-atheist speech 'hate speech'?

[muppet_truffle]

I'm fairly liberal and live by a "live and let live" philosophy and believe that everyone has a right to their beliefs and opinions, so long as it does no and encourages no harm to others. I also believe in free speech. But where is the line?

I'm referring to the anti-atheist speech made by Phil Robertson, delivering a graphic and horrifying hypothetical story of an atheist family being raped and tortured, finishing his statement with the offenders saying:

'Wouldn't it be something if this [sic] was something wrong with this? But you’re the one who says there is no God, there’s no right, there’s no wrong, so we’re just having fun. We're sick in the head, have a nice day.'
"And then they can look at him and say, 'Isn't it great that I don't have to worry about being judged? Isn't it great that there's nothing wrong with this? There's no right or wrong, now is it dude?'"

Does this border on hate speech or does it skip right across the line into hate speech?
Apart from encouraging the ridiculous notion that atheists are devoid of decency, humanity and a basic sense of right and wrong, is it also in some way (whether intended or not) say that doing something such as this to an atheist is okay because, hey, they don't believe in right or wrong. Not to mention, he's kind of saying (imo) that since it's not wrong, it makes it okay in a sense?

The entire speech can be found here, but be warned it is graphic and disturbing.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/24/phil-robertson-duck-dynasty-hate-speech_n_6934164.html?

[cliffy1]

Is this twit the son of the infamous Pat Robertson? It would explain a lot if he is and if he isn't, then there is no logic that explains his ignorance and stupidity. The fear of god only keeps those who are incapable of knowing right from wrong from doing wrong because of fear of punishment. Any decent human being instinctually knows how to behave toward their fellow travelers on space ship Earth.

[coffeeFreak]

Not sure how this could be seen as a "hate speech", although I would suggest a more appropriate term might be a '*bleep* speech', as it reveals what an extreme religious idiotic nutjob he is.

[Mr Danksworth]

Yup. A nut job with a room full of people agreeing with him.

[JonyDarko]

It is hate speech, how ever he has the right to say it.

He is not threatening, merely showing why no one should listen to him.

[Mr Danksworth]

It almost seemed like he was getting off to his torture porn story. Decapitate his head off...sploosh.

[maryjane48]

lol only yanks would make a duck clown famous

[FreeRights]

I don't think it's necessarily hate speech, but it certainly is misinformed and showcases a very flawed understanding of an atheist's beliefs.

[Hassel99]

What kinda of messed up mind thinks there is no right or wrong unless specifically directed by the sky wizard?