Another Consultation! Freedom of Expression

[KeepPrisonsSingleSex]

It's consultation time! Again....

The Joint Committee on Human Rights is inviting submissions for its consultation on freedom of expression. Closing date is 3 January 2021.

committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/307/freedom-of-expression/

I have just submitted ours and focussed on the branding of gender critical views as hateful and bigoted and the actions taken at organisational level against those expressing those views.

I have also focussed on police action to investigate hate crime, where this is disproportionate and heavy-handed and misplaced 'non-crime hate incident'. Here I referred to Knowles judgement in Miller v Humberside and the forthcoming action by Miss B.

I urge everyone to submit something. This isn't about who is 'right', it about interference with freedom of expression and a chilling effect which hinder legitimate debate.

bumping. think i have this already, but important so will check

Will this be UK applicable or just England and Wales? Just as there's the Scotland one also.

Joanna Cherry is a member of the Committee. Other than noting that, I don't know whether this is England/Wales only or extends to Scotland.

I’ve done more consultations than Christmas cards so far this year.

Still, better write something more than “Reinstate free speech and happy new year”.

[Digs out consultations file and gets started]

I know...!

OP, do you have anything available I could look at? In terms of your response? I’d like to focus on the police and some pointers - to particular cases of women being silenced by the police, or particularly egregious examples of bias such as that on the current thread with the taser person - would be really helpful.
I’m not sure if you responded as an individual or as a representative? If the latter, maybe you could dm something?

I see one only has 1500 words....not that long.
I think it’s really important to respond as clearly those who want us to die in a grease fire will do so.

I made a submission on behalf of Keep Prisons Single Sex saying that the chilling effect on freedom of expression interfered with my ability to engage in legitimate debate and effectively campaign for the rights of women in prison.

When my submission is published, I am happy to provide a link to the parliament committee website.

Harry Miller is a good case to start with for non-crime hate incidents and the Fair Cop website has other examples which are relevant to police action.

Posie Parker being arrested. Posters being removed. Stickers investigated by the police. I had a google and found some stuff to reference.

committees.parliament.uk/committee/93/human-rights-joint-committee/news/137067/committee-take-evidence-on-freedom-of-expression/
It's the first evidence session 2.30pm Wed. Ruth Smeeth is giving evidence which I'm interested in hearing. It'll give an idea of where they're comingfrom.
It does clash with the GRA hearing however.