As we enter a new decade, I contend that the 2020s will see arguments about free speech intensifying as different worldviews clash in more open and obvious ways.
While the UK has a long tradition of respecting freedom of expression, that heritage is being undermined. Street preachers are being arrested for preaching Jesus and pro-life students are being censored because of their views on abortion. In the light of this, it is a fair conclusion to draw that old standards for freedom of expression are fraying at the edges.
On paper at least, there are laws in place to specifically protect your right to free speech. Under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act, everyone has the right to express our views, and the UK signed up to this treaty in 1998. However, there are conditions attached. The law states that this freedom ‘may be subject to formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society’. Whereas before, evangelical beliefs would not have been part of the exceptions, they are increasingly becoming so.
Why we need truth and grace in political advocacy
As we have been remembering the birth of Jesus at this time of year, I want to reflect in this …