The End of Free Speech?

The End of Free Speech?

Are we facing a crisis in free speech? Are there limits on what we can talk about, campaign for, criticise and debate? Recent topics of discussion – ranging from the provision of safe spaces in educational institutions and work places, through ‘no-platforming’ policies to religious fundamentalism and the ideology behind the attacks in Paris and elsewhere – lead some to call for limits on freedom of speech and some areas of campaigning.

Four speakers – all of whom have faced freedom of speech issues – debate the boundaries and how freedom of speech might be protected and extended in the future: Julie Bindel, writer and journalist; writer Sarah Ditum (recently removed from a panel by Bristol University Feminist Society); Maryam Namazie, political activist, campaigner and blogger; and Sian Norris, writer, feminist activist and director of the Bristol Women’s Literature Festival.

This is one of the events in a special weekend of activity looking at endings and beginnings (a theme which will also be part of other festival events in 2016).
It is part of Bristol800: a programme throughout 2016 marking significant anniversaries in the city and what they mean for Bristol now and into the future. Bristol800is an initiative of Bristol Cultural Development Partnership (Arts Council England, Bristol City Council and Business West).