1. Freedom of Speech or Freedom of Hearing? © Mats Tunehag March 2007 March 2007

2. Pastor Åke Green, Sweden Preached July 2003, stated that homosexuality is sin Preached July 2003, stated that homosexuality is sin Sentenced to one month in prison June 2004 for expressing contempt against homosexuals Sentenced to one month in prison June 2004 for expressing contempt against homosexuals Acquitted Supreme Court Nov 9, 2005 Acquitted Supreme Court Nov 9, 2005

3. Prosecutor assumed ”that homosexuals may have been offended” Prosecutor assumed ”that homosexuals may have been offended” No evidence of harm or violence No evidence of harm or violence No witnesses No witnesses Sermon on sexuality interpreted as hate speech Sermon on sexuality interpreted as hate speech Court acted as sermon review board (Inquisition) Court acted as sermon review board (Inquisition)

4. The Issue: Freedom of Speech Not a matter of: Religious conviction (Islam, Christianity, Atheism, …) Religious conviction (Islam, Christianity, Atheism, …) Sexual Orientation, Life Style Choices Sexual Orientation, Life Style Choices Defending a Particular Group (Pentecostals) Defending a Particular Group (Pentecostals)

5. Sliding down a slippery slope From freedom of speech to freedom of hearing From freedom of speech to freedom of hearing From speaker to hearer From speaker to hearer From ”instigating violence” to ”I was offended or hurt” From ”instigating violence” to ”I was offended or hurt” From objective to subjective criteria / laws From objective to subjective criteria / laws

6. Case # 2 Seminar in Swedish Parliament Seminar in Swedish Parliament Research report presented, benefits of family as in one man – one woman Research report presented, benefits of family as in one man – one woman Headline in newspaper: ”Hate Against Homosexuals in Parliament” Headline in newspaper: ”Hate Against Homosexuals in Parliament” Research presented  subjectively re- interpreted  perceived as offensive  labeled hate speech  thus potentially illegal Research presented  subjectively re- interpreted  perceived as offensive  labeled hate speech  thus potentially illegal

7. The cartoon Exercising Freedom of Speech / Press The cartoon Exercising Freedom of Speech / Press The response - fatwa, riots, boycotts: Demanding Freedom of Hearing The response - fatwa, riots, boycotts: Demanding Freedom of Hearing

8. Freedom of Speech Fundamental Without it there is no… Freedom of Religion Freedom of Religion Freedom of Press Freedom of Press Political Freedom Political Freedom Freedom of Expression in Art & Music Freedom of Expression in Art & Music

9. Is there a trend toward ”a right to NOT be offended” (for homosexuals & Muslims & ?) and thus limited rights for others to express different opinions? Where are we going?

10. Defend Freedom of Speech! Freedom of hearing kills freedom of speech Freedom of hearing kills freedom of speech Ramifications are huge & bad Ramifications are huge & bad A threat to democracy & everyone A threat to democracy & everyone Freedom of Speech for ALL: Christians, Muslims, homosexuals, atheists, communists, … Freedom of Speech for ALL: Christians, Muslims, homosexuals, atheists, communists, … Occasionally we will all be offended Occasionally we will all be offended