Try again, twit…
May 9, 2008
To: Zia Khan, director of the Centre for Islamic Development in Halifax
Re:
 |
||
Dear Sir,
You may not be aware of this, but in a free, democratic nation, there is no such thing as “beyond what can be considered free speech.”
The whole concept of freedom of expression is that there are no limitations imposed on what can be said, even if what is said is disturbing, hateful, or in poor taste. That doesn’t mean we have to like what is said, nor does it mean we have to endorse what is said — in fact, our own freedom of expression allows us to disagree mightily with what is said.
But to limit freedom of expression even slightly is to destroy it utterly. Either we must allow that some people will say hateful, hurtful things — but nevertheless recognize their right to do so — or else admit that freedom of speech is meaningless in its entirety.
Update: Welcome, Steynians!
