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 are safe 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...

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...

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...

Freedom of Speech & Expression Although the Australian constitution does not explicitly provide for freedom of speech or press and other media, the High Court has held that the constitution implies a limited right to freedom of political expression. The same applies for the freedom of peaceful assembly -- it is not classified in federal law, but it is generally respected by the government ( U.S. State Department, 2021). Australians’ rights to access online content and freely engage in online discussions are based less in law than on a shared understanding of the prerequisites for a fair and...

Freedom of Speech & Expression The constitution and laws provide for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media. The government does not restrict or disrupt access to the internet or censor online content. Additionally, the law provides for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association ( U.S. State Department, 2021; Freedom House, 2021). Social Justice & Identity Issues Racial and Ethnic Discrimination: The law prohibits violence and discrimination against racial or ethnic minorities, including against the indigenous population, Māori. Sexual Orientation and...

Freedom of Speech & Expression The Japanese constitution provides for freedom of assembly and association, but the law neither penalizes nor prohibits hate speech in order to not impede on freedom of speech. Therefore, a hate speech law has been designed to eliminate hate speech against persons originating from outside the country. This is carried out by developing government consultation systems and promoting government awareness efforts. As a result, eight local governments have ordinances to prevent hate speech – Osaka City in Osaka Prefecture; Setagaya Ward, Kunitachi City, and Komae City...

Freedom of Speech & Expression The South Korean law provides for freedom of expression, although, under the defamation law and the NSL (National Security Law), the government may limit the expression of ideas to restrict public discussion ( U.S. State Department, 2021). The law allows punishment for statements found to be “slander” or “libel.” The law punishes defamation of deceased persons as well ( U.S. State Department, 2021). The law does provide for the freedom of peaceful assembly, although the law may be used to prohibit or limit assemblies considered likely to undermine public order...