For some reason, "free-speech" has become a buzzword rallying cry for American Rightists, despite the fact that I see no substantive attempt to implement public policy that would protect or expand free speech. In fact, I have really only seen the opposite.

The only free-speech related legislation I have seen in the past several years were laws restricting speech by conservative politicians. Many states have passed anti-BDS laws or executive orders that prevent the state from doing any business with corporations who engage in a Boycott against Israel, despite the fact that economic boycotts and the promotion thereof is a SCOTUS recognized aspect of free speech. Texas even required teachers to sign anti-BDS oaths, and fired those who refused.

Most stunningly, in Florida, Ron DeSantis passed an anti-"Critical Race Theory" law which prohibited the teaching of any curriculum that would make a student feel "discomfort" (this is literally what the law said) or guilt on the basis of their race, even in universities. Banning speech that might make people feel discomfort sure doesn't feel free-speechy to me, and it was actually struck down by the courts because it violated the First Amendment. The Don't-Say-Gay bill also removed any books that even mention sexual orientation or gender identity, which you might agree with, but is still limiting speech.

Ron DeSantis also wants to make it a crime to bring a minor to a Drag Show. Again, you might agree, but free speech. I think it's more abusive to take your kids to church and teach them that they'll burn in a lake of fire for eternity if they don't follow your religion, but I don't prohibit parents from taking their children to church because I actually believe in free speech and familial autonomy, which the Republicans are clearly more comfortable limiting. (Also, there's no congruent effort to ban kids from Hooters and other titty bars. Seems like they are selectively choosing what free expression to limit based on their political feelings).

While all these anti-speech bills are being passed by Republicans, I don't see any laws being passed by Republicans to protect speech, nor do I see any Democrats passing laws which would restrict it. The only "free speech" point I can give Republicans is that they are supporting a wedding planner who doesn't want to do sell a website template to a gay couple on the basis of her free expression, but that's about it.

It seems to me that Republicans aren't really concerned with free speech, but just want to be able to say slurs without being sent to HR, or denied payment/platforming from a private corporation whose money or services they are not entitled to.

The right screams "Free Speech!" when Ben Shapiro gets shouted down from a college campus, seemingly forgetting the fact that those protestors also have a Constitutional right to free speech, which they are exercising. If your definition of free speech is simply "other people shouldn't be allowed to call me a bigot", while you're simultaneously passing laws saying that you'll be fired for opposing Israel in your private life, or that you'll be fined for teaching anything that makes people feel "discomfort", how free is your speech really?