Free Speech Debate

Thirteen languages. Ten principles. One conversation.

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1We – all human beings – must be free and able to express ourselves, and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas, regardless of frontiers.»
2We defend the internet and all other forms of communication against illegitimate encroachments by both public and private powers.»
3We require and create open, diverse media so we can make well-informed decisions and participate fully in political life.»
4We speak openly and with civility about all kinds of human difference.»
5We allow no taboos in the discussion and dissemination of knowledge.»
6We neither make threats of violence nor accept violent intimidation.»
7We respect the believer but not necessarily the content of the belief.»
8We are all entitled to a private life but should accept such scrutiny as is in the public interest.»
9We should be able to counter slurs on our reputations without stifling legitimate debate.»
10We must be free to challenge all limits to freedom of expression and information justified on such grounds as national security, public order, morality and the protection of intellectual property.»

What’s missing?

Is there a vital area we have not addressed? A principle 11? An illuminating case study? Read other people's suggestions and add your own here. Or start the debate in your own language.
Home | Archives | Satire
Actor Harris performs with the cast of The Book of Mormon during the American Theatre Wing's 66th annual Tony Awards in New York

I enjoyed the Book of Mormon musical. Now for the Book of Islam?

The Mormons reacted brilliantly to the musical satirising their faith, but something important is lost when we treat religions so differently - writes Katie Engelhart.

Published on: May 16, 2013 | Comments: 0

Palace_of_Europe_-_plenary_hall

Is the European Court of Human Rights merely defending the uncontroversial?

A famous case of state censorship in Austria highlights the tendency of governments to pander to the majority, leaving controversial views unprotected. By Michele Finck.

Published on: April 9, 2013 | Principle 7 | Comments: 1

Indonesian protesters

Defending Islam and free speech

FSD's Katie Engelhart sat in on this Frontline Club debate to discuss controversy surrounding the YouTube video Innocence of Muslims.

Published on: October 4, 2012 | Principle 6 | Comments: 1

Cartoonist Aseem Trivedi

Satire or sedition? Political cartoons in India

Indian Cartoonist Aseem Trivedi was recently arrested on sedition charges. Manav Bhushan discusses how an archaic section of India's penal code has been used to silence government critics.

Published on: October 3, 2012 | Principle 10 | Comments: 0

Libya US consulate

Has Innocence of Muslims ended the innocence of YouTube?

Join us to debate the role internet platforms like YouTube should play in setting free speech agendas in your country, your language and across the world. Online editor Brian Pellot kicks off the discussion.

Published on: September 26, 2012 | Principle 6 | Comments: 17

Pussy Riot

Pussy Riot, Putin’s Russia and the Orthodox Church

Was punk band Pussy Riot’s anti-Putin performance in a Moscow church 'religious hatred hooliganism' or an artistic form of political dissent? Olga Shvarova considers the case.

Published on: August 9, 2012 | Principle 7 | Comments: 9

Jerry Springer and threats of violence thumbnail

Jerry Springer: art or blasphemous libel?

Published on: July 18, 2012 | Principle 7 | Comments: 0

'Hitler and the Germans Nation and Crime' Exhibition In Berlin

Hitler’s Mein Kampf as satire

The German comedian Serdar Somuncu recites extracts from Mein Kampf to highlight the absurdity of Hitler’s propaganda, writes Sebastian Huempfer.

Published on: July 13, 2012 | Principle 5 | Comments: 3

Voina

On free speech: The fine art of activism

The third episode of the On Free Speech podcast features exclusive interviews with filmmaker Nick Sturdee on the Russian art collective Voina and stand-up comedian Tom Greeves on the UK's parody laws.

Published on: April 10, 2012 | Principle 1 | Comments: 0

BBC Announce Plans For A Major Shake-Up Of The Corporation

Mark Thompson on the BBC & religion

The director general of the BBC explains why it aired Jerry Springer: The Opera, and talks about different responses to Christianity and Islam.

Published on: March 3, 2012 | Principle 7 | Comments: 12

827px-JerrySpringerandDevilPhoto

Jerry Springer & blasphemous libel

BBC television’s broadcast of Jerry Springer: The Opera in January 2005 was met with protests by Christian groups. Maryam Omidi discusses whether the BBC was right to air the programme.

Published on: February 24, 2012 | Principle 7 | Comments: 2

The exterior of the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International, Los Angeles, California (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

Tom Cruise sues South Park

Manav Bhushan and Casey Selwyn question whether it was right for Tom Cruise to threaten to sue US show South Park over an episode that depicted Scientology in a pejorative manner and blatantly hinted that he was gay.

Published on: February 9, 2012 | Principle 9 | Comments: 1

Free Speech Debate is a research project of the Dahrendorf Programme for the Study of Freedom at St Antony's College in the University of Oxford. www.freespeechdebate.ox.ac.uk