Sir, – I share the concern expressed by others about the proposed so-called hate speech legislation (Letters, June 20th, 22nd, 23rd).
Surely freedom of belief by definition permits the freedom to hold and discuss beliefs that others find absurd, baffling, and even abhorrent.
Indeed, it is hard to imagine how any liberal, pluralistic, multicultural, and philosophically and religiously diverse society can function unless we all agree to live and work respectfully alongside people with whom we may strongly disagree on a wide range of topics. I do not believe, for example, in the religious doctrine of transubstantiation, but I do believe that other people have the right to disagree with me.
The proposed legislation is strongly reminiscent of the Censorship of Publications Act of 1929, which ushered in an era in which the political culture alienated many of Ireland’s greatest minds, contributing to the emigration of some of our leading intellectuals, stifling debate in all walks of life, and contributing to the oppression of personal, including sexual, freedoms. Edna O’Brien, Kate O’Brien, Frank O’Connor and Seán Ó Faoláin were among the authors censored at this time. Today they are considered to be among the finest Irish writers of the 20th century.
Seán Moncrieff: Once artists start selling for vast sums of cash they become a business, except for one
Betrayed with a kiss: How Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ made its way to Ireland
Dior’s Jonathan Anderson: ‘Moody, intense, a perfectionist, maybe not the warmest, but a visionary’
URC Grand Final: Five things we learned as Leinster end trophy drought after four years
There is still time to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
Rather than passing legislation that will be an open invitation to abuse by any future government with totalitarian leanings of whatever variety, it makes more sense to enforce legislation around issues including physical and sexual assault and discrimination in the workforce or elsewhere so that the interests of all the residents of Ireland are protected. – Yours, etc,
DEIRDRE NUTTALL,
Dublin 8.
