Is it possible that countries without freedom of speech hold considerably worse views about race, homosexuals, etc than the U.S.?

I’ll admit that my image of Europe was recently shattered. Granted, it was based on nothing other than hope that there were places that were more progressive, fair, and free than the U.S.. But to learn that free speech doesn’t exist in some of these countries flips everything upside down for me.

I understand that we have some people here from Europe, and they are likely to share their thoughts on this. But really, can we be sure that they are sharing their thoughts on this, or are they speaking approved words?

There are people here on fluther that bend over backwards to talk about protecting reproductive freedom, but may be (* how can I tell) ok with restricting speech of the same women. I’m very confused.

Is it possible that some of us (ok, me) have an image of Europe as being progressive and educated, yet they only don’t express their horrible views for fear of prosecution?