Bigotry can't hide behind free speech

Linda Matthews, South Australian Commissioner for Equal Opportunity, Adelaide

 

 There has been much comment in the press (The Advertiser, Opinion, yesterday) about the Federal Court's order for Fredrick Toben to remove offensive material from his Adelaide Institute website, following a complaint of racial discrimination.

While I understand the fears that these laws may have unintended consequences, it seems that the jury is still out on what is the best way to proceed.

Fearing that Fredrick Toben will move his website offshore or 'underground', or that he will receive the publicity he craves, is no reason not to take action.

However, it is also reasonable that there are laws that restrict the worst kind of bigotry.

People who abuse their rights of free speech and use the Internet as a way to promote racial hatred and discrimination should be called to account. Racial vilification laws allow fair reporting, as well as comment in the public interest, in artistic work or performances, and in parliament and the courts.

Only the most serious aspects of racial hatred are covered by the legislation, so that free speech is not overly restricted.

I paraphrase Edmund Burke's famous words: Evil flourishes when good people do nothing. To this I can only concur.

 

Fredrick Töben Replies

I do not recall Linda Matthews asking me whether I "crave publicity". This assertion of hers indicates what is going on in her mind. She has forgotten that as a concerned citizens we do have moral, social and legal duties to fulfill. Hence, as a concerned citizen, and as a teacher, it is my duty to make public comments on matters of public interest.

To trivialize this whole matter to one of subjective psychological needs is typical of those who fail to understand that living on an historical lie is morally and intellectually corrupting our society.

Where truth is no defence, lies flourish and relationships break down because that vital component that keeps a society cohesive - Trust - is subverted by lies. Then, however, the control freaks have a field day in devising laws that intimidate and spread a general fearfulness amongst the population. In this way free and open debate - in a civilised way - is stifled.

Yes, Linda Matthews is right, I am bigoted against those who tell lies.

It is libellous of her to accuse me of promoting 'racial hatred' by my promoting a questioning of matters 'Holocaust'.

Unfortunately, when the judgment comes into effect, Linda Matthews is free to continue this libel against me. Justice Branson's judgment has given the green light for legal persecution against my person to begin.

However, whether all this will prevent the truth from emerging, is another matter.

Her final comment indicates that a Mr Barber was a brave man when he protested with a placard outside her government office - labelling her a 'femmo-Nazi'.

Three cheers for free speech and for  Natural Justice, the legal principle that offers me a right-of-reply.