FREE for members, get in touch on [email protected] Hate Crime Vs. Free Speech
We are going to debate the motion This House Believes Hate Speech Laws Go Too Far.
In the UK, hate speech legislation primarily falls under the Public Order Act 1986, which prohibits speech inciting violence or hatred based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. The Communications Act 2003 and the Malicious Communications Act 1988 also criminalise online hate speech. While these laws aim to protect vulnerable groups, critics argue they can threaten free speech, as the definition of "hate" may be subjective. Potential problems include overreach, inconsistent enforcement, and the challenge of balancing protection from harm with safeguarding freedom of expression, which can lead to debates over where the line should be drawn.
Our debaters
Paul R. Carroll is the co-founder and ex-President of 104 London Debaters, the UK’s first and still only Toastmasters Debating Society. He’s originally from New York but has been living in London since XXXX. He was introduced to debating by his Jesuit teachers, and it clearly made a lasting impression. He is a many times champion of Improvised Speech competitions within Toastmasters, an experienced Debate Coach and Workshop presenter.
William Hagerup is also an ex-President of 104LD, but from Norway originally. He came to London in 1997 but now lives in Colchester. His route into debating was as a youth politician in Norway at the age of 16, travelling around doing debates in his native region of Norway. His interest in serious debate took him out of politics (obviously) and into studying philosophy, ethics and 18th Century literature! In 2015 he published In Good Faith, the first of many novels (or so he keeps saying).
Sarah Beckwith, a committed Londoner, will be the Debate Chair. Sarah is an experienced debater and Toastmaster who enjoys looking after historic buildings and heritage sites as a day job!
Event Venue
Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone, London, United Kingdom
Tickets
