We call on the Government to repeal restrictive speech legislation - including sections of the Communications Act 2003 and the Public Order Act 1986 – and pass a “Free Speech Act” mirroring protections and rights guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
UK speech is a "qualified right" under the Human Rights Act, which we believe is often restricted by vague standards like “gross offence”. We are concerned that this could allow prosecutions for social media posts and unpopular opinions. We believe we must adopt an act modelled after the US "First Amendment" to protect all speech unless it incites imminent lawless action. We believe this could end what we feel is the "chilling effect" on debate and ensure the government cannot act as an arbiter of morality. The UK should move from a system of "permitted speech" to "protected speech."