Comments by "TruthWarrior" (@Truth-warrior-j3e) on "IT'S NOT LOOKING GOOD FOR KIER STARMER!" video.
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@angelamary9493 And that is why you still have it. It has been a right built up over centuries but has never been an absolute right. There are limitations summarised below. Which of these don’t you like:
1. Hate Speech Laws:
- Public Order Act 1986: This act makes it an offense to use threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior with the intent to stir up racial hatred. It was later expanded to include hatred based on religion and sexual orientation.
- Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006: This specifically addresses stirring up hatred against persons on religious grounds.
2. Libel and Defamation:
- Defamation Act 2013: Under UK law, defamatory statements can lead to civil lawsuits if they damage someone's reputation. The law requires claimants to show that the statement caused, or is likely to cause, serious harm to their reputation. There are defenses such as truth, honest opinion, and publication on a matter of public interest.
3. Contempt of Court:
- Contempt of Court Act 1981: This act restricts speech that might prejudice ongoing legal proceedings. This includes publications that could affect the fairness of a trial, like discussing the guilt or innocence of a defendant before a trial has concluded.
4. National Security:
- Official Secrets Acts (1911, 1989): These laws make it illegal to disclose information considered a threat to national security. This includes espionage, leaking classified information, and publishing sensitive military details.
5. Obscenity and Indecency:
- Obscene Publications Act 1959 and 1964: These acts criminalize the publication of obscene materials, defined as those tending to "deprave and corrupt" those who are likely to read, see, or hear them.
- Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981: This act controls the public display of indecent matter.
6. Anti-Terrorism Legislation:
- Terrorism Act 2000 and 2006: These laws include provisions that criminalize the glorification of terrorism and the dissemination of terrorist publications. Speech that is seen to encourage or incite terrorism can be restricted under these acts.
7. Communications Act 2003:
- Section 127 of this act makes it illegal to send a message that is grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing through a public electronic communications network. This law has been applied to social media and other digital platforms.
8. Harassment and Public Order:
- Protection from Harassment Act 1997: This law criminalizes harassment and can apply to speech that causes someone to fear violence or experience serious distress.
- Public Order Act 1986: This act also criminalizes certain types of speech in public that could lead to violence or disorder, including speech that is likely to provoke a breach of the peace.
9. Regulation of the Media:
- Broadcasting Code (Ofcom): The UK media regulator, Ofcom, enforces standards for broadcast content, ensuring that it does not include harmful or offensive material, incitement to crime, or material that could be harmful to children.
10. Data Protection and Privacy:
- Data Protection Act 2018 (and the GDPR): This legislation restricts the publication of personal data without consent and provides individuals with rights over how their personal information is used and shared.
11. Other Restrictions:
- Blasphemy Laws: Historically, the UK had blasphemy laws, although these were effectively abolished in England and Wales in 2008.
- Speech in the Workplace and Institutions: There are also regulations within workplaces and educational institutions to prevent harassment and discrimination, which can limit certain forms of speech.
These limitations are intended to protect individuals and society from harm while ensuring that freedom of expression does not infringe upon other rights or public safety. The balancing act between free speech and these restrictions is often debated, especially when new laws or interpretations of existing laws come into play.
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