Censored: Why Free Speech Matters | Event Tuesday
WHAT: Speaking at Heritage Foundation seminar “Censored: Why Free Speech Matters,” hosted by Ryan T. Anderson, Ph.D., on the subject of free speech in Europe and the U.S.
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 12 p.m. EDT
WHERE: The Heritage Foundation’s Lehrman Auditorium, 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington | RSVP to attend or watch online
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
In the second edition of his book Censored: How European Hate Speech Laws are Threatening Freedom of Speech, Paul Coleman addresses the rise of so-called “hate speech” laws throughout Europe and their devastating effect on freedom of speech. Across Europe, such laws are readily being used. Ministers of religion are arrested for preaching sermons from the Bible, journalists are routinely fined, and even private conversations between citizens can result in criminal investigations. In fact, Censored documents more than 50 different “hate speech” cases throughout Europe, most of which have occurred in the last decade.But hate speech laws are not only a growing concern in Europe. Also, in the “land of the free,” censorship on campuses, in churches, and in the political sphere is omnipresent. What can we learn from the European situation, and how should we react to developments domestically? These and other questions will be addressed in the course of the discussion.
Coleman is the deputy director for ADF International. Specializing in international human rights and European law, Coleman has been involved in more than 20 cases before the European Court of Human Rights and has authored submissions before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, UN Human Rights Committee, and numerous national courts. Coleman was present at the counsel’s table during oral arguments in Eweida v. the United Kingdom, where the court held, in a historic decision, that the United Kingdom had violated the applicant’s right to religious freedom. Coleman has also intervened in numerous landmark cases before the European Court, including two Grand Chamber cases.
ADF International is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith.
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ABOUT Paul Coleman
Paul Coleman serves as executive director of ADF International, overseeing the legal advocacy of all ADF International offices. Specializing in international human rights and European law, Coleman has been involved in more than 20 cases before the European Court of Human Rights and has authored submissions before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, UN Human Rights Committee, and numerous national courts. Coleman earned his LL.M. and postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the Northumbria Law School, graduating with distinction. He also has a bachelor of laws from Newcastle University and graduated with first-class honours. Coleman is a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and is the author of two books and numerous articles.