In full: Rowan Atkinson on free speech

Free Speech: A Precious Right

The Value of Free Expression

• The speaker emphasizes that free expression is the second most precious thing in life, just below basic needs like food and shelter.

• They express a personal belief in their own safety regarding free speech due to their public profile but are concerned for those with less visibility.

Examples of Misuse of Free Speech Laws

• The speaker cites absurd cases where individuals were arrested for trivial expressions, such as calling a police horse gay or labeling the Church of Scientology a cult.

• They recall a comedic sketch from "Not the Nine O'Clock News" that parodied ridiculous arrests, highlighting how art can reflect real-life absurdities.

Critique of Law Enforcement Actions

• The speaker critiques defenders of current laws who claim they work well because some cases were dropped; they argue this ignores the chilling effect on free expression.

• They highlight that many individuals face arrest and questioning without media attention, raising concerns about the law's impact on society.

Legislative Concerns and Cultural Intolerance

• Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights states that merely insulting language should not be criminalized, emphasizing the subjective nature of what constitutes an insult.

• The speaker argues that laws intended to control offensive speech have led to an authoritarian culture suppressing dissenting voices.

Addressing Intolerance and Promoting Dialogue

• They challenge the notion that intolerance can be countered by silencing others, suggesting it only replaces one form of intolerance with another.

• Advocating for more open dialogue rather than legal repercussions, they compare exposure to offensive speech to building immunity against childhood diseases.

Conclusion: More Speech as a Solution

• The speaker concludes that increasing robust dialogue is essential for societal resilience against hateful speech; more speech is necessary rather than repression.

The Outrage Industry and Free Speech

The Role of the Outrage Industry

• Rushdie discusses the concept of the "outrage industry," which consists of self-appointed arbiters who claim to promote public good by inciting media outrage.

• This industry pressures law enforcement to react to perceived insults, often leading to unnecessary panic among police forces.

Legal Implications and Public Order Act

• Police often resort to Section 5 of the Public Order Act, allowing arrests for statements that could be interpreted as insulting without a clear victim.

• There is a troubling lack of requirement for actual offense; merely potential offense suffices for legal action.

Challenges to Free Speech

• The rise of social media has highlighted significant issues regarding free speech that society has yet to fully address.

• While individuals must take responsibility for their words, there is an alarming increase in intolerance towards even mild criticism.

Call for Reform

• Rushdie argues that current laws should not support this growing intolerance, as it ultimately harms free speech.