Teribus:- An interesting case.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/4829932.stm
I believe further changes to the law on defamation in the UK occurred in 2014, as summarised below.

https://www.ft.com/content/374299f0-295a-11e5-acfb-cbd2e1c81cca

I think in America Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has a similar intent.

I think many post insults with gay abandon below the line on mudcat. Some belong to the give and take of debate/discussion, others are more of a character assassination and deeply resented and hurtful and should not be posted.
   Perhaps everyone should step back a pace and reflect on this, and if required, modify their behaviour. No one wants to stifle free speech, but be careful of those epithets_ they could bite back.