When: Monday, September 23, 2024 20:30 - Monday, September 23, 2024 22:30
Where: webinar
It's crucial to discuss the implications of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 within the European context, where recent instances of free speech censorship highlight growing concerns. Across Europe, various governments have implemented laws that, while aiming to curb hate speech, also risk stifling legitimate expression. For example, in France and Germany, laws against "hate speech" online have raised debates about the fine line between protecting marginalized groups and infringing on free speech. The UK's Online Safety Bill also reflects this trend, attempting to balance safety and freedom but raising fears of overreach. In this broader European landscape, where governments increasingly intervene in public discourse, the Scottish Act represents another step in the shifting balance between protection and censorship. As these laws multiply, so does the risk of self-censorship, where individuals might refrain from expressing unpopular opinions out of fear of legal repercussions. This can create a chilling effect, particularly on religious and political speech, which has historically been a cornerstone of democratic societies. For Christians and others concerned with the defense of free speech, it's essential to engage in this conversation. The Scottish Act isn't just a local issue but part of a wider European trend that requires careful scrutiny to ensure that laws meant to protect do not end up suppressing essential freedoms. By addressing this issue now, we can help safeguard the right to express unpopular truths and maintain a healthy, open society across Europe. Matthew Ferguson, will discuss this topic during our webinar. Matthew is a trainee solicitor at a commercial law firm in Edinburgh. Prior to his traineeship, he worked as a research assistant to Dr Michael Schluter and Relational Peacebuilding Initiatives in their work on the Korean Peninsula. He grew up as a ‘missionary kid’ in Japan and India, before returning home to Scotland for university. You can prepare yourself by reading the blog: https://www.jubilee-centre.org/blog-/how-can-christians-make-sense-of-hate-speech-laws-from-a-biblical-worldview-an-analysis-of-the-hate-crime-and-public-order-scotland-act-2021 Also read: Hate Crime and Free Speech (free download) Safeguarding Freedom of Speech in Regulating Online Political Advertising (free download
Register Now chevron_right