The top ten things you need to know about freedom of expression laws

This article is 8 years old. Click here to view the latest articles for this topic.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right protected under the Human Rights Act and under British common law.
This can extend to the expression of views that may shock, disturb or offend the deeply-held beliefs of others.
Any restrictions must always be set out in law and be proportionate.
Freedom of expression can be limited and in particular does not protect statements that discriminate against or harass, or incite violence or hatred against, other persons and groups, particularly by reference to their race, religious belief, gender or sexual orientation.
No one can rely on the human right to freedom of expression to limit or undermine the human rights of others.
It is not always easy to draw the boundary between freely expressing intolerant or offensive views and hate speech. In making the distinction, the speaker’s intention, the context, the audience, the particular words used and form of communication will all be taken into account.
Freedom of expression is protected more s...

Want to see the rest of this article?