The need to police free speech is an incorrigible trait of the totalitarian mindset.
This trait is reflected in open society among those who seek to coercively limit freedoms that are the cornerstones of liberal democracy. As Jean-François Revel, the once widely celebrated French philosopher, noted, this trait is the “totalitarian urge” that lurks among us.
The Quebec government of Liberal Premier Philippe Couillard’s effort to police free speech through Bill 59 is an illustration of this perversity. Bill 59 apparently is the response to a proposal made by the Quebec Human Rights Commission to provide it with tools to initiate lawsuits against those who publicly engage in “hate speech.” At present only individuals may bring lawsuits on the grounds of discrimination under section 10 of the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
It is Premier Couillard’s contention that Muslim terrorism is brought about by criticisms of Islam. From this follows the view if such criticisms are disallowed then terrorism will end. And Jacques Fremont, president of the QHRC, has been public in stating he would sue those who “write against … the Islamic religion … on a website or on a Facebook page.” [National Post] Read more
