Title: Head-To-Head: Should there be limits on freedom of speech? | University Observer
Headings: Head-To-Head: Should there be limits on freedom of speech?
Head-To-Head: Should there be limits on freedom of speech?
Content: But they will never change their minds if left alone to stew in their own bigotry. In honour of the late Martin McGuinness, we as a society should strive to live by his words of wisdom: “ In fact, I would defend to the death their right to express a different point of view”. _______ [ br] Against: Ross WalshRoss Walsh examines why freedom of speech should be unrestricted in universities and across society. ARTICLE 40.6.1 of Bunreacht na hÉireann acknowledges “the right of the citizens to express freely their convictions and opinions”. Although the Irish Constitution also contains ridiculously outdated clauses on blasphemy that impede on this fundamental right, the basic principle behind it still stands. For any individual to be unable to freely express their beliefs, provided that the expression of those beliefs does not conflict with the laws of the state as in cases of libel or slander, is a crime against that person. Freedom of speech is an integral part of the foundation for democratic society. After all, how can the people hold the power if they can’t even hold a debate?