this post was submitted on 19 Oct 2023
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[–] spiderkle@lemmy.ca 29 points 1 year ago (4 children)

TLDR; all Britons can say what they want and express themselves freely, unless it breaks any laws or harms another person.

Isn't this a classic "freedom of speech" vs. "anti-discrimination-laws" case? Unless the laws in the UK change anytime soon, J.K. very well has the right to talk how she pleases in the confines of the law. She also can't be forced to change her vocabulary and shouldn't be afraid to be bullied if she doesn't. Whatever you may think about her, this always has to goes both ways:

Under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998, “everyone has the right to freedom of expression” in the UK. The law goes on to say that this freedom “may be subject to formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society".

In 2010 the UK also passed a law protecting it's citizens from "discrimination, harassment and victimization."

If it could be proven that J.K. harmed somebody by her speech, she could be liable for damages. At that point she could also sue back, having the most likely bigger budget than most people.

[–] GreatAlbatross@feddit.uk 8 points 1 year ago

As some say "freedom to swing your arms around ends where someone else's face begins"

Although that's maybe not such a good phrase after all, as swinging your arms around to intimidate is also not acceptable.

[–] vidarh@lemmy.stad.social 0 points 1 year ago

Yes, she is free to be a giant asshole with a persecution complex. And we are free to call her one.

[–] jasory@programming.dev -2 points 1 year ago

What a worthless comment. "Your freedom of speech is protected so long as it hasn't been outlawed".

Who knew.

This is why people say that Europe doesn't have freedom of speech, because unlike the US there is nothing stopping legislature from simply banning any speech.