Can’t legislate free speech

Re: Free speech, as compelled by Ontario, Chris Selley, Sept. 1

I could not agree more with Mr. Selley’s opinions concerning compelled speech in the province of Ontario. Freedom of speech is a basic right entrenched in our Charter, albeit with reasonable limitations. Given this issue, there should be no legislation concerning this concept, even if well-intended.

In this case it has been recognized that free speech has been increasingly stifled in our institutions of higher learning; something totally anathema to expectations of such institutions. Yet, we do not need additional legislation to enforce it at universities or elsewhere. Simply apply the Charter. Along the same lines, compelled speech concerning the “proper” use of pronouns would seem to fall in the same category as espoused most eloquently by Dr. Jordan Peterson.

My only concern with Mr. Selley’s article was his example using anti-Israel speech as something that clearly would not be permitted in today’s environment, or at least as a consequence of the newly proposed legislation. I would like to point out that anti-Semitic or anti-Israel opinions are permitted at our universities on a routine basis whilst speech in favour of Israel is generally shut down, often by the use of near-violent methods by its opponents. This said, let me conclude though that all Charter-protected speech must be allowed without the need for additional legislation. As a democratic society we must believe that incorrect, or for even openly idiotic, speech or ideas will not sway logical people, and will be discarded in the face of logical argument.

Howard C Tenenbaum, Thornhill, Ont.