Speech restrictions are being presented by the government and agencies like our Human Rights Commission as being in the service of minority groups. But many members of minority and religious communities are against new hate speech laws, and even fear they will end up harming the very communities they purport to defend. In a spirited and important discussion between a Christian, a Jew and a Muslim (Ashley Church, Dane Giraud, and Imam Mustenser Qamar respectively) the minority and religious argument against speech restrictions will be laid out. More details can be found here.
In the lead up to this event, Imam Mustenser sat down with Patrick Corish on the Free Speech Coalition’s podcast to discuss views on free speech within the Islamic world, which you can listen to here.
And if you can’t get enough free speech talk, last week I sat down with broadcasting legend Ward Kamo to discuss the Maori position on free speech, and the risks to minorities from hate speech legislation. You can find that episode here.
It is hugely encouraging to see people from across New Zealand joining in support of each other’s rights to speak freely.
Thank you for being part of that conversation and thank you for your support.
Dane Giraud, Spokesperson
Free Speech Coalition
Dane’s remarks are sensible. I cannot recall who said it — one of the wise old guys of the past — but it was roughly: “I disagree with what you are saying, but I will defend with my life your right to say it.”
I can appreciate some short-sighted bleeding hearts in our community saying something like: :Oh, he shouldn’t be allowed to say such things.” but that is the thin edge of a slippery slope we should always keep away from.
Free speech is just as important as all the rights these dear souls want to defend and we must never never lose sight of that.
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