The Times editorial on Jacinda’s UN speech

An editorial from The Times (est 1785) on Jacinda’s UN speech:

Freedom of speech is the essence of a free society, the freedom from which all others flow. The right to
express dissent or advance views that may clash with those of the majority or of those in power is what
differentiates a democracy from an authoritarian state. It is perhaps not surprising, then, that comments by Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month have caused alarm.

They have caused alarm, but few people in NZ would know this as media have ignored the criticism of the speech in major media outlets in the UK, US and Australia.

An example that Ms Ardern gave of the sort of misinformation and disinformation she thinks need to be suppressed was climate change denialism. There is certainly a broad scientific consensus on climate change. But although those who deny it may be wrong, they should be heard. Science advances by testing hypotheses and weighing evidence in open debate. The same goes for those who doubt
the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Their views are wrong.

Reputable publishers are not obliged to give them a platform. But they should not be banned.

There is a huge difference between not giving someone a platform, and banning them from social media.

The promotion of terrorism, glorification of violence, celebration of acts that threaten the security of the state. These are things that no society allows. These are liberties denied in defence of liberty itself. But silencing critical voices as “disinformation” is the tactic of tyrants, as the Putin regime’s approach shows.

Very strong words from a normally staid newspaper.

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