3 ms·

Worth checking this out: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/schedule/1/part/I/chapter/9 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/schedule/1/part..

by bArray 4y ago

Worth checking this out: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/schedule/1/part/I/chapter/9 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/schedule/1/part... Notably: > The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.

delecti 4y ago
Wow, that's an awful lot of stipulations. It almost makes the preceding "Everyone has the right to freedom of expression" seem laughable.
- bArray 4y ago
  Yeah, it's a common misunderstanding by Americans (and even British people due to American media influence) that the UK has freedom of speech. Instead it is this _really_ washed out vague protection. NPR clearly have zero idea of this either. Add on top of this the new hate crime laws that disallow 'hate speech' (which includes critique) of 'protected classes', and you don't really have the right to complain. The police also record "non-crime hate incidents" on your permanent record (zero due process, zero ability to remove it), and the police will quite literally come to visit you and "correct your thinking" (yes, they actually say this). Personally, I really want to see freedom of speech implemented. This of course directly conflicts with the traditions we know and love, so it's unclear where we go from here. It seems as though freedom of speech is coming whether it matches our culture or not, and many British people already behave as though they already have it.

by bArray 4y ago

delecti 4y ago

Wow, that's an awful lot of stipulations. It almost makes the preceding "Everyone has the right to freedom of expression" seem laughable.

bArray 4y ago
Yeah, it's a common misunderstanding by Americans (and even British people due to American media influence) that the UK has freedom of speech. Instead it is this _really_ washed out vague protection. NPR clearly have zero idea of this either. Add on top of this the new hate crime laws that disallow 'hate speech' (which includes critique) of 'protected classes', and you don't really have the right to complain. The police also record "non-crime hate incidents" on your permanent record (zero due process, zero ability to remove it), and the police will quite literally come to visit you and "correct your thinking" (yes, they actually say this). Personally, I really want to see freedom of speech implemented. This of course directly conflicts with the traditions we know and love, so it's unclear where we go from here. It seems as though freedom of speech is coming whether it matches our culture or not, and many British people already behave as though they already have it.