These rules apply to every site that I operate. Site specific rules will be defined in their own sections.
Moderators are expected to strive to maintain a free speech environment where people an express unpopular opinions, although blatant bigotry and bad faith arguments made with a closed mind are not allowed.
The first line of defense is the block button rather then moderator action.
I'm a Republican voting progressive who used to identify with "wokeness." You can express unpopular opinions, just don't shit the rug.
It's very unlikely that users on fediverse or other decentralized platforms are going to be banned for conduct on other instances. Depending on how egregious it is, it's a possibility.
Users registered on one of our instances will be expected to behave on other instances.
The following steps will generally be taken in the event of rule violations:
These steps may be skipped for people acting in bad faith deliberately or to protect the safety of the community.
Where possible, moderators are expected to avoid issuing bans. Bans should only be issued for the protection of the community, especially after a pattern of behavior.
Instructing people to do dangerous or harmful actions is forbidden.
Spreading false information that could lead to drastic action being is prohibited.
Moderators are not medical professionals and we will take a hands off approach to discussion of medical issues. Visitors are expected to be intelligent and receive proper medical advice before making any decisions. We will intervene in cases where there is severe danger, especially when clear instructions are being given.
Users are permitted to share remedies that have worked for them. They are discouraged from making any explicit statements about their efficacy or from encouraging other people to use the same method. We will only remove posts in cases of severe danger.
We do not follow Big Tech's repression policies. That also doesn't mean that there aren't any rules.
Recommendation of any treatment methods is prohibited, including treatments and vaccines that are officially approved.
Any posts endorsing baseless conspiracy theories such as 5G microchips will be removed. Action will be taken against repeat offenders.
Federated instances that don't moderate cases of misinformation will be dealt with on a case by case basis. They will probably not be restricted unless there is a very serious problem.
Users are permitted to share opinions that are unpopular or politically incorrect, provided that there is an actual debatable basis and they are not advancing bigotry with a closed mind.
Expressing personal religious objections is not considered hateful as long as it isn't done with the intent of attacking anyone. The moment it devolves into comparing homosexuality to pedophilia or speculation about the mental state of transgender people, expect moderators to take action.
Talking points considered "racist" are generally no longer considered debatable.
Keep in mind that what constitutes a debatable issue is heavily connected to cultural advancement and social norms. There is much less tolerance for anything that can be legitimately construed as racist because that debate happened long ago.
It's ok to point out problems that exist within a group, it's not ok to attribute any problems specifically to race.
Race
Acceptable:
Fatherlessness contributes to black criminality.
Unacceptable:
Black people are criminals because they have low intelligence.
Trans issues
The key point is to be able to state an opinion without being inflammatory or intentionally trying to attack anyone.
Acceptable:
Trans people should use the bathroom for their biological sex
It's not possible for a man to become a woman
Unacceptable:
Trans people are grooming children
Trans women are mentally ill men
Abortion
Acceptable:
Women have the right to access abortion
Unacceptable
Opponents of abortion want to control women