Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Freedom of speech

There is something called the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December of 1948. This represents the first global expression of rights that all human beings are entitled to. In article 19 it discusses how the freedom of expression is recognized as a human right. (like it says in the Constitution) This is recognized in the International Covenant On Civil and Political Rights. BASICALLY, it says.. "everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice" BUT, it also says: "exercise of these rights carries "special duties and responsibilities" and may "therefore be subject to certain restrictions" when necessary "for respect of the rights or reputation of others" or "for the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals" The bolded part is what sticks out to me. I feel like the people who wrote the Constitution maybe never thought some would do something as disrespectful as the Hillsboro Baptist Church is doing. So maybe they didn't think to include restrictions. But this declaration shows that there really is a fine line between freedom of speech and respect. Props to Wikipedia for the info (:

2 comments:

katie sharp said...

haha woops the bolded part is suppose to be this : "for respect of the rights or reputation of others"

Mrs. Corcoran said...

Great example, Katie! Should the Constitution be amended to include some of the ideas mentioned in this post? Why or why not?