Freedom of expression cannot be secured if society supports a right not to be offended
People have no right 'not to be offended' over matters of religion, and those who kill others or themselves 'are not martyrs', according to the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Addressing the annual Theos lecture on religion and contemporary society, Baroness O'Neill of Bengarve spoke out over controversies such as the Charlie Hebdo attacks and universities who banned 'transphobic' speakers, saying freedom of expression cannot be secured if society supported a right not to be offended.
Baroness O'Neill said speech believed to be offensive to a belief or religion should only be prohibited if it transgressed other laws, such as defamation or incitement to hatred. [Solicitors Journal] Read more
