The Talking Point: Gagging for Freedom?

The Federal Court action against columnist Andrew Bolt has sparked a heated debate between those who believe that his comments contravene the Racial Discrimination Act and those who argue that the legal action is an assault on freedom of speech and democracy.

Whether you agree or disagree with Bolt, the debate has created compelling dichotomies, pitting freedom of speech against censorship, racial discrimination against political correctness. Objective opinions are muddied by subjective reactions to the personalities involved – divisive personalities like Bolt and Geoff Clark. Bolt’s writings are deliberately provocative – but does that mean he should be silenced?

Presenters

Leslie Cannold

Dr Leslie Cannold is an author, commentator, ethicist and author of the novel, The Book of Rachael.

Bernard Keane

Bernard has been Crikey’s correspondent in Canberra since 2008; he writes on politics, media and economics.

James Allan

James Allan is the Garrick Professor of Law at the University of Queensland.

Jonathan Green

Jonathan Green is editor of ABC’s The Drum.