Doesn’t matter. In either UK or US legal systems, truth is the ultimate defence against any charge of libel or slander.
The ability of “hate laws” to circumvent that long standing legal absolute is what makes them so potentially dangerous.
Not exactly.
First of all, it is my understanding that there are objective truths that cannot be considered as a defense, such as referring to certain cases where someone has served his time for an old conviction. Plus, it doesn't matter if Liberace were gay...the defense is valid only if you can prove it (i.e., burden of proof is on the defendent).
The ability of “hate laws” to circumvent that long standing legal absolute is what makes them so potentially dangerous.
Disclaimer: IANAL.