Free Speech

To protect our freedom, we must limit it; this is the paradox of liberty. It is only if we pass and enforce laws telling us what we cannot do that we can protect our freedom. This is clearly visible in the issue of free speech.

Freedom of expression, saying what we want to say, is a basic liberty. A society that cites the protection of freedom as one of its core concerns must surely uphold the right to free speech. There is, however, a conflict of rights here. On the one hand we have the right to freedom of expression, and on the other the right not to be insulted or offended. Governments are forced to balance these rights against each other.

The two rights cannot both be protected in their strongest forms. If the right to freedom of expression is so protected, then even those who wish to offend others must be allowed to do so. If the right not to be insulted or offended is so protected, then those who wish to offend others must not be allowed to do so. Either way, liberty will be lost.