#free-speech

#free-speech

U.S. democracy has always been fragile, and we are now witnessing its dismantlement. The rising tide of political violence poses one threat to democracy in this country, but another quieter threat is also hard at work via the erosion of free speech and critical thinking, both of which are necessary for a flourishing democracy. Trump's book bans and attacks on opposing political ideas, the blocking of independent journalism, the intimidation of news organizations, and the defunding of public media are all part of this erosion.

Christopher Rufo took six months to contradict his own advice. In February, the conservative activist wrote that social-media posts "should no longer be grounds for automatic social and professional annihilation." This view won't come as a surprise to anyone who has followed Rufo's long crusade against left-wing cancel culture. By August, however, he had emulated his enemies, arousing outrage over a journalist's old tweets. The episode demonstrates not just his own hypocrisy but also why campaigns against unwelcome speech should always be resisted.

There's an attempt right now to basically say, if you shut up, you will be safe. And if you speak out politically, there's a good shot that some unhinged actor is going to take that as a threat and then come and try and kill you, Shapiro said, adding: Yeah, I mean, there will be. I've told my security team I will never again do an outdoor event.

Wednesday saw a moment without precedent in recent history: A college speaker shot to death on a campus during an event. That fact alone would've escalated growing concerns about the future of free speech and civil discourse at colleges and universities. But this speaker was Charlie Kirk, a prominent ally of a U.S. president who was already crusading against higher ed.

Individuals should not be mistreated for their identity or opinions, but the government of Israel and of the Zionist movement are fair game for criticism. I support the existence of Israel, but I am deeply troubled by the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza over the past 23 months and its Jewish settlements in the West Bank over many years, which make self-government nearly impossible for Palestinians. Jewish people should have their safety and rights protected but so should Palestinians.

However, I oppose the proposed law (AB 715), based on hearing it equates criticism of Israel or Zionism with antisemitism. Individuals should not be mistreated for their identity or opinions, but the government of Israel and of the Zionist movement are fair game for criticism. I support the existence of Israel, but I am deeply troubled by the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza over the past 23 months and its Jewish settlements in the West Bank over many years,

The fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at a Utah college event has put a spotlight on tensions over free speech at universities, where conservatives, including President Trump, have said campuses are intolerant of right-wing speakers and thought. Kirk, a Trump ally widely credited for revitalizing Republican movements among college students, was speaking before thousands at Utah Valley University when he was shot in the neck.

"When this comedian I was not very familiar with made those horrific comments about punching trans individuals, I obviously am deeply offended by that, just as I've been offended when someone makes comments about hating Indian Americans or telling Indian people to go back to India," he said.

Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. For days now, the Florida Highway Patrol has been stationed in the parking lot of an Orlando Dunkin' Donuts. Their mission: Stop chalk-wielding activists from restoring a rainbow crosswalk that, until it was erased overnight by the Florida Department of Transportation two weeks ago, commemorated the 2017 mass shooting at the adjacent Pulse nightclub.

The health secretary said such laws had put "more expectation on police" and "diluted the focus and priorities of the public", adding "that's obviously something we need to look at". Streeting told the BBC it was "very easy for people to criticise police" who were only enforcing laws that had been passed by MPs, saying ministers wanted police to focus on street crime rather than posts on social media.

Former UK deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg has accused right-wing US politicians, including JD Vance, of "rank hypocrisy" for attacking UK speech laws while silencing dissent at home. Since coming to office this year, the US vice president has repeatedly criticised measures like the UK's Online Safety Act and claimed free speech in Europe was "in retreat". Sir Nick accused Vance of an "outrageous double standard" for attacking UK free speech laws while trying to "intimidate and bully" critics.

As US President Donald Trump late on Sunday lashed out against the American media and threatened to pull broadcasting licenses from networks for their alleged "biased" coverage of him, media experts said the danger to the news media lies partially in corporate outlets' potential capitulation to the Trump administration.

Both sides of the culture wars have been on the wrong end of draconian measures, including the ban on Palestine Action

Thanet District Council's new Public Space Protection Order aims to ban foul or abusive language in public spaces, enforceable by a £100 fine.

Ricky Jones faced trial for stating at an anti-racism rally that far-right activists, described as disgusting Nazi fascists, should have their throats cut. Jurors found him not guilty.