In the opinion piece “Tasmania will this coming week face its free speech litmus test”, Benjamin Seeder argues that Tasmania’s commitment to free speech would be tested by the planned visit of Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan to Hobart.
Seeder describes free speech as a foundational democratic right from which other freedoms flow and contends that it is increasingly under pressure in Tasmania and across the Western world. He notes that some events on Linehan’s Australian tour had already been cancelled following activist opposition and questions whether similar efforts would occur in Tasmania.
The article cites several examples that the author presents as evidence of restrictions on public debate, including:
- Criticism directed at former Liberal election candidate Julie Sladden for her views on COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic policies.
- Difficulties experienced by Women Speak Tasmania in hosting events discussing gender medicine and related issues, including the relocation of a Burnie forum after the original venue withdrew permission.
- The March 2023 protest surrounding British activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull in Hobart, where counter-protesters disrupted her rally.
- Legal and political controversies involving Louise Elliot and her statements about sex and gender.
Seeder argues that free speech protections are most important for unpopular or minority viewpoints, not just widely accepted opinions. He concludes that Tasmania should allow controversial voices to be heard, regardless of whether people agree with their views, and that the state’s commitment to free expression should be judged by its willingness to tolerate dissenting perspectives.
Source: The Examiner
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