The Decibel Charlie Kirk, free speech, and Canada’s new anti-hate law
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Sep 23, 2025 Joining the discussion is James L. Turk, Director of the Centre for Free Expression. He explores the heated free speech debate ignited by Charlie Kirk's death and its implications in both the U.S. and Canada. Turk contrasts the protections offered in each country and dives into the complexities of Canada’s new hate-symbol bill. He also addresses the impact of governmental pressure on media, exemplified by the Jimmy Kimmel incident, and emphasizes the importance of free expression in combating polarization and authoritarianism.
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Public Debate Is Democracy’s Engine
- Open public debate is essential to democracy because it lets citizens continually negotiate legitimacy and limits.
- James L. Turk says shutting down that debate moves a society toward authoritarianism.
Expression Includes Hearing Others
- Freedom of expression includes both the right to express and the right to receive information in many formats.
- James L. Turk prefers the term 'freedom of expression' because it covers speech, art, dance and other media.
U.S. First Amendment vs. Canadian Charter
- The U.S. First Amendment is framed as broader because it bars content-based restrictions, while Canada allows some content limits like hate-speech laws.
- In practice the legal differences are significant in principle but not always huge in everyday outcomes.