The election candidates are plied by various groups, mostly by groups with an agenda. One of the latest to arrive in my inbox is a survey by the Free Speech Union. Sounds great doesn’t it. Who could be against free speech, right? But as usual, there is a not so noble agenda behind the free speech union and their survey.
These are some of the questions asked, and my interpretation of the agenda behind the question.
Question: Public Art and Expression, Councils shouldn’t remove or censor legal public artworks or murals that some community members find offensive.
Agenda: Pride crossings and LGBT murals etc should be allowed no matter what the public opinion, and whether or not the public find them offensive.
Question: Lawful speech on council property: Councils should not ban any lawful speech on council owned property of platforms.
Agenda: LGBT and other communities should have full freedom to use public facilities as a platform, regardless of public opinion and the wider public interest.
Question: Public venues and viewpoints: Council managed public venues (eg community halls, libraries) should allow any lawful opinions to be expressed within them, without content based restrictions.
Agenda: Drag queen sessions in public libraries should be allowed, and should not be restricted because of content that is unsuitable for children.
I did not respond to the survey. It is a trap for the unwary. Possibly that will cost me votes, but I would rather stick to my principles.