Free speech does not require the promotion of hate-mongers

Oxford – 8 November 2007

Despite being deluged with protests, the Oxford Union has reiterated its decision to go ahead with a free speech debate headlined by Nick Griffin, leader of the far right British National Party, and Holocaust revisionist historian, David Irving, on 26 November.

Peter Tatchell, the Green Party candidate for Oxford East, has written to the Oxford Union President, Luke Tryl, urging him to withdraw the invitation to Nick Griffin and David Irving.

Here is the text of Mr Tatchell’s letter to the President of the Oxford Union:

Dear Luke Tryl,

I am surprised and saddened that the Oxford Union has reiterated its misguided decision to go ahead with a free speech debate featuring Nick Griffin, leader of the neo-fascist British National Party, and Holocaust-denying historian, David Irving.

Nick Griffin is the head of a far right party that has a history of promoting racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia and prejudice against Muslims. He has a conviction for inciting racial hatred. (1)

David Irving was branded by a British judge in 2006 as ‘a racist, an anti-Semite and an active Holocaust denier.’ (2)

Support for free speech does not oblige the Oxford Union or any other institution to reward these men with a prestigious public platform, which will give them an air of respectability and allow them to espouse their intolerant views.

Not offering them a platform at the Oxford Union is not an infringement of their right to free speech. Lots of people never get invited to speak in your debating chamber. They are not being censored.

Nick Griffin and David Irving still have the freedom to espouse their views at any public meeting they wish to organise, or in any leaflet they wish to print.

I do not agree that any institution is required, in the name of free speech, to proactively promote the purveyors of prejudice. Not offering hate-mongers a platform is not the same as banning them.

The invitations to Griffin and Irving should be withdrawn and alternative non-bigoted speakers invited to discuss what, if any, limitations should be placed on freedom of expression.

Free speech is an important human rights issue that should not be cheapened by the sensationalism of parading of pair of right-wing extremists in the chamber of the Oxford Union.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Tatchell

Human rights campaigner

Green Party candidate for Oxford East

Sources:

(1) http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4670574.stm

(2) http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4449948.stm