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My Power: Rights Knowledge

Free Speech: Use It or Lose It

Freedom of speech is the bedrock of a free society. But it is under attack from both bad laws and social pressure. To defend it, you must understand exactly what it is—and what it isn't.

Article 10: The Gold Standard

"Everyone has the right to freedom of expression."

This right includes freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers.

Crucially: This includes information or ideas that are favourably received or regarded as inoffensive or as a matter of indifference, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb.

— Handyside v UK (1976), European Court of Human Rights

It protects your right to:

  • Criticise the Government
  • Insult public figures
  • Express unpopular beliefs
  • Protest peacefully

Where The Line Is Drawn

Protected Speech
Legal, even if people don't like it.

✅ "Offensive" Jokes: Being merely offensive is generally legal (though social media platforms may ban you).

✅ Valid Criticism: Calling a politician incompetent, a liar, or corrupt (if true or honest opinion).

✅ Religious/Gender Critical Views: Expressing beliefs (e.g., "biological sex is immutable") is protected under the Equality Act.

Unprotected Speech (Illegal)
This can get you arrested.

❌ Hate Speech: Inciting violence or hatred against a group based on race, religion, or sexual orientation.

❌ Harassment: A course of conduct (2+ instances) that causes alarm or distress to an individual.

❌ Malicious Communications: Sending messages with the sole *intent* to cause distress or anxiety (Grossly Offensive).

How to Speak Fearlessly

The chilling effect—self-censorship out of fear—is the enemy. To defeat it, you must be precise.

  • Attack ideas, not people. Saying "Islam is a dangerous ideology" is protected. Saying "Muslims should be attacked" is a crime.
  • Frame it as opinion. "In my view..." or "I believe..." offers more protection than stating something as absolute fact if it isn't.
  • Don't be a troll. If your only goal is to upset someone, you risk crossing into "Malicious Communications". If your goal is to debate a topic, you are safer.

The Employer Trap

Be aware: You have freedom of speech from the State (police/judges), not from your Employer.
Unless you claim "unfair dismissal" or "discrimination" (e.g., for "philosophical belief" like gender critical views or ethical veganism), a private company can fire you for bringing them into disrepute.
Pro Tip: Keep your social media and professional life separate. Do not list your employer in your bio if you post political content.

Don't Be Silenced. Be Smart.

The best defense against censorship is knowing exactly where the line is—and walking right up to it.

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