I'm not saying that the sanction against him was the best course of action, or that it was even necessary.
Just that people who think that his "freedom of speech" was in some way violated -- or that the anger directed against him was simply about his being on the wrong side of a ballot issue -- are at least very misinformed about certain things.
Not just his freedom. There is a chilling effect that makes people more afraid of expressing their opinions for fear of losing their jobs.
Of course, I'm not arguing about the legal definition of freedom of speech, I'm making a moral argument.
>the anger directed against him was simply about his being on the wrong side of a ballot issue
What was it about? If his opinions on gay marriage make everyone involved in Mozilla look bad, then certainly the reputational effects of firing someone for his political opinions have to be taken into account as well. People might start being less enthusiastic about working for Mozilla if they feel they have to walk on eggshells all the time.
Just that people who think that his "freedom of speech" was in some way violated -- or that the anger directed against him was simply about his being on the wrong side of a ballot issue -- are at least very misinformed about certain things.