@rookie54 saidIsrael Folau is entitled to believe what he wants and I don't think the government should be able to punish him for believing or saying in public that "Hell" awaits homosexuals [as long as it is not done in a way that incites violence].
i got to read the op,
it was about an australian rugby player getting canned for his comments...
But the notion of 'freedom of speech' pertains to the relationship between governments and citizens and does not trump one's contractual obligations to some other entity, like an employer or contractor or an apolitical governing body that oversees things like entertainment and sport.
Folau is contracted to Rugby Australia and he knew beforehand - and had been warned about - what obligations and restrictions this entailed and how these obligations applied to his public behaviour as long as he wanted to play rugby under the auspices of Rugby Australia.
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@fmf saidDo you believe it’s ok for Rugby Australia to stipulate what it’s employees are and aren’t allowed to believe and which opinions they are or aren’t allowed to voice?
Israel Folau is entitled to believe what he wants and I don't think the government should be able to punish him for believing or saying in public that "Hell" awaits homosexuals [as long as it is not done in a way that incites violence].
But the notion of 'freedom of speech' pertains to the relationship between governments and citizens and does not trump one's contractual oblig ...[text shortened]... ed to his public behaviour as long as he wanted to play rugby under the auspices of Rugby Australia.
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-Removed-I don't see how Israel Folau's words can be characterized as "hate speech"; misanthropic, yes perhaps, but not "hate speech". I think for the speech to be truly "hateful", it would have to incite some consequence that was substantially detrimental or damaging to the target. I don't think we have a right NOT to be outraged or NOT to be offended by someone else's beliefs or stated opinions.
There have been numerous people here, over the years, who have expressed their belief that people like me and Ghost of a Duke are going to be tormented for eternity in burning flames for eternity after we die [what Israel Folau means by "Hell", presumably] but I don't see this kind of thing as being "hate speech" directed at us.
I think in many instances, branding ideas and opinions as "hate speech" is an attempt to silence dissent by poisoning the well. I think branding the expression of certain ideas as "hate speech" in many cases is an assault on "free speech".
@fmf saidSecondSon, I wrote the above sentence - on a recent thread - when defending Australian rugby player Israel Folau's expressed religious beliefs about "Hell" and the accusations of "hate speech" he has had to endure.
I think in many instances, branding ideas and opinions as "hate speech" is an attempt to silence dissent by poisoning the well. I think branding the expression of certain ideas as "hate speech" in many cases is an assault on "free speech".
Do you agree with it?