When does free speech become hate speech?

Information

In partnership with The John Smith Centre

Freedom of expression is lauded as one of the important civil liberties in our legal system. The right to express one’s views, even if some find those views offensive, is a cornerstone of our democratic system. We all have the right to agree or disagree with those in power, and to exercise these rights – without fear or unlawful interference in an open and fair society. Recently, debates have focused on a free-speech crisis, with certain topics deemed no-go zones and speakers cancelled. But are we simply seeing a redistribution of power, where privileged groups are being challenged and held to account by those who have historically been marginalised? When does free speech become hate speech and how does social media help or hinder free speech?

Chair: Eddie Barnes Director, John Smith Centre, University of Glasgow

Panellists:

Professor Angela O’Hagan is Chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission. She was Professor of Equality and Public Policy at Glasgow Caledonian University and was also Deputy Director of the WISE Centre for Economic Justice. Her career encompasses leadership roles in the community and statutory sectors in Scotland, including as Director of Carers Scotland and Head of Campaigns and Communications with Oxfam Scotland. She was awarded the Jo Cox Award for Public Service and Activity Citizenship by the Political Studies Association.

Professor Adam Tomkins is the John Millar Professor of Public Law, University of Glasgow, and the author of the book, On the law of speaking freely.

Jason Boxt is a Principal at RXN in Washington DC. He has worked in public affairs and opinion research for more than 25 years, with expertise in communications and digital research, reputation and brand management, campaign and message development, and political strategy. (ONLINE)

Nik Williams is a freedom of expression advocate based in Glasgow. He is the policy and campaigns officer at Index on Censorship and the co-chair of the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition. He previously coordinated the inaugural year of the Media Freedom Rapid Response, which responds to violations of media freedom in Europe, and led the successful campaign to reform defamation law in Scotland.