'Hate speech' laws threatening freedom of speech
ADF International attorney to present on effects of ‘hate speech’ laws in Europe, censorship movement gaining momentum in US
WHO: Paul Coleman, executive director of ADF International; Arthur Milikh, associate director and research Fellow, B. Kenneth Simon Center for Principles and Politics; Klon Kitchin, senior research fellow—science, technology, and national security, Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy; John W. York, policy analyst, B. Kenneth Simon Center for Principles and Politics
WHAT: Panel discussion: “Will We Ban ‘Hate Speech’? Lessons from Europe and the Threat of Big Tech”
WHEN: Friday, June 21, noon to 1 p.m. EDT
WHERE: The Heritage Foundation, Lehrman Auditorium, 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington. RSVP to attend or view live stream.
“In many European countries, the state wants to shut down debate on ‘hot topics.’ Sunday sermons, media articles, and even private conversations have been subject to criminal investigations as a result. Nonetheless, speech laws are not only a growing concern in Europe. Even in the U.S., censorship on university campuses and online platforms is growing,” said Coleman.
Censored addresses the rise of “hate speech” laws in Europe and their effect on freedom of speech. In Germany, for example, committing an “insult” can be a criminal offense, and in Poland, offending “religious feelings” carries a two-year prison sentence. Such examples, along with 50 others described in the book, show how “hate speech” laws are being used readily in Europe. In the U.S., calls for the introduction of “hate speech” laws are only growing.
- ADF International brief: “’Hate Speech’ Laws”
ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people.
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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.