Monday, August 22, 2016
#FreeSpeech in the News: Aug. 22, 2016
As the Citadel of Free Speech here in Cleveland, we work to protect and promote the basis of our democracy by sharing related stories, commentary, and opinions on free speech in the 21st century. Here's what's making the news - and what you should know about - this week.
“The idea that lies are part of ‘freedom of speech’ or ‘of the press’ seems wrong. Lies—even lazy falsehoods—make finding the truth harder, erode mutual trust, and harm individuals and groups. Some can even lead to private violence or public disorder.”
Does the First Amendment Protect Deliberate Lies?, The Atlantic
“The removal of the provision that makes actionable those expressions that offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate on the basis of someone’s race, colour, national or ethnic origin has become a talisman, as important as climate denialism, opposition to marriage equality, and the virtues of negative gearing.”
The defence of free speech is limited for the anti-18C brigade, The Guardian
“The judge wrote that any right that Caputo did have to free expression was outweighed by the government's ‘profound interest in protecting the White House complex, the president, and the functionality of the executive branch.’"
No First Amendment Right to Jump White House Fence, Judge Rules, The National Law Journal
“When interviewed, he would emphasize his right to "free speech" and in court he used the Europe-wide Human Rights Act to defend his freedoms despite advocating the abolition of both and rule by Shariah law.”
How Anjem Choudary Used Free Speech to Recruit for ISIS, NBC News.com
“A free press is vital for public debate. Since sensitive information can sometimes be publicly relevant, exercising judgment is always part of the journalist’s profession. It’s not for me to draw the line, but journalists should condemn those who willfully cross it. The press is too important to let its role be undermined by those who would search for clicks at the cost of the profession’s reputation.”
Peter Thiel: The Online Privacy Debate Won’t End With Gawker, The New York Times
“This legislation requires the state to punish companies because of the beliefs people there hold rather than any action they have taken.”
“Dangerous precedent for free speech”: NJ Gov. Chris Christie signs law punishing boycotts of Israel, Salon.com
“What is the status of free speech in the 21st Century? I’d say that speech is freer, but people are not.”
Free speech of the 21st century: Glenn Reynolds, USA Today
