Freedom of speech

CONGRATULATIONS Cairns Post for standing up for freedom of the press.

It’s great that the Post is sticking up for the right of the press to publish information, but what about the right of individual citizens to free speech?

Robust defence of free speech has been notably absent from most mainstream media outlets. In fact, many in the mainstream media are actively anti-free speech, using no-platforming, bullying and even coercive use of state power to prevent individuals from discussing important social issues; from legitimacy of multi gender ideology, the scientific rigour of climate change data, expression of religion, through ideas of giving race a place in the Constitution.

A free press being able to find and publish information the government, especially the unelected bureaucratic arms want hidden is important but what use is releasing information if it can’t be discussed?

Protecting press freedom over individual rights cements the media firmly in place as gatekeepers of knowledge and legitimate discussion. It smells of sticking up for collectivist agendas prioritising them over the voice of the individual.

We now live in a society where Peter Beattie needs to approve of your religion before you can play football and Kristina Keneally tries to ban people she doesn’t agree with from not just speaking, but entering the country. Their stances got surprisingly high levels of support from the mainstream media. I beg the Post to fight for the freedom of all to speak, not just journalists to publish.

Matt Moloney, Brinsmead