Free speech and vilification in 2024
In Australia the tensions between Freedom of Speech and Human / Religious Rights, and vilification of individuals and groups have been prominent in the news in recent years.
The possible repeal of Section 18C, the 2017 debate over marriage equality, the Israel Folau case, Sam Kerr’s 2023 troubles and the more recent Ezra Mam / Spencer Leniu issue have seen opposing points of view argue vociferously and sometimes viciously. (And in Craig Foster’s case leading him to retract his initial censure of Sam Kerr and argue against himself)
How should we consider these issues; what guidelines are there for us to make judgements: what lens should we use? As always, Brisbane Dialogues believes no decision can be reached without first being able to fully espouse the opposing point of view and that all arguments deserve a hearing.
Katharine Gelber was a First Tuesday speaker in 2021 and has agreed to lead us in a discussion of this timely topic. She is ideally qualified.
Katharine is Associate Dean (Academic) in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at UQ. and is a Professor of Politics and Public Policy. Her research is in the field of freedom of speech, and the regulation of public discourse. In Dec 2017, she jointly hosted, with Prof Susan Brison, a workshop at the Princeton University Center for Human Values on, 'Free Speech and its Discontents'. She is a prolific author of academic articles, monographs and books. More here https://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/2422
Join us on May 7th for a stimulating and intriguing evening with Katharine Gelber