Freedom of Speech & Expression The German constitution protects the freedom of expression, however, there are some cases where the government restricts hate speech. The law specifically bans Nazi propaganda, Holocaust denial, and instigating racial hatred. Online hate speech is treated the same as in-person speech, and both are punishable by law. ( State Department) Political demonstrations occur regularly in Germany, and tend to take place on politically significant holidays such as German Labor Day (on May 1) . Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly...

Freedom of Speech & Expression The German constitution protects the freedom of expression, however, there are some cases where the government restricts hate speech. The law specifically bans Nazi propaganda, Holocaust denial, and instigating racial hatred. Online hate speech is treated the same as in-person speech, and both are punishable by law. ( State Department) Political demonstrations occur regularly in Germany, and tend to take place on politically significant holidays such as German Labor Day (on May 1) . Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly...

Freedom of Speech & Expression In the Netherlands, the freedom of speech and expression is protected by national law, apart from the criminalization of hate speech. However, it is important to note that Holocaust denial is a punishable offense under the law ( U.S. Department of State, 2021; Freedom House, 2022) Protests and people in the Netherlands have a constitutional right to demonstrate but there are rules for doing so. It is important that both the police and demonstrators know what they are. The National Ombudsman provides detailed guidelines here. Social Justice & Identity Issues...

Freedom of Speech & Expression In Ireland, the freedom of speech is protected by national law and the law prohibits hate speech against people due to their race, nationality, religion, ethnicity, national origins, or sexual orientation. The right of free assembly is also respected, and it is common for peaceful demonstrations to be held each year ( U.S Department of State, 2021). Social Justice & Identity Issues Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQ+ events in Ireland. In fact, in 2015, marriage rights...

Independent Travel Ban The health and safety of IES Abroad students is our highest priority. Regretfully, the conflicts in Ukraine and in Gaza continue. As such, IES Abroad will continue to prohibit independent student travel to these locations and their surrounding areas. To ensure student health and safety, IES Abroad (including IES Internships, and our Customized & Faculty-Led programs) will continue its complete travel ban for Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and the greater Middle East, which includes Palestine, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Travel to countries bordering Russia and...

Freedom of Speech & Expression In the United Kingdom, the freedom of speech is protected by national law and the law prohibits expressions of hatred toward others because of their color, race, nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origin, religion, or sexual orientation. This also includes any communication that is deemed threatening or abusive and is intended to harass, alarm, or distress a person. The penalties for such expressions include fines, imprisonment, or both ( U.S. Department of State, 2021). A major aspect to be aware of is the 2019 counterterrorism law. The...