On Tuesday August 28 the latest version of the controversial Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill was published for public comment (https://pmg.org.za/call-for-comment/727/), reports Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA). The original draft of the Bill received over 70 000 submissions, with many labelling it “draconian” (https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2018-03-13-draconian-hate-crimes-bill-will-destroy-freedom-of-speech/) and a “threat […]
Tag: freedom of speech
Religious belief may justify “discrimination” — Adv Nadene Badenhorst
A recent article in Die Burger regarding the settlement agreement concluded between Christian author Gretha Wiid and the Human Rights Commission (HRC), states as follows: “You may be a Christian and practise your religion, but you cannot use it to discriminate against others”. This statement is an over-simplification and therefore […]
Religious exemption clause in Hate Speech bill ‘will only protect sermons’
At Parliament on May 30 2018, Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA) attended a briefing by the Department of Justice (DoJ) to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice regarding the proposed Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill (“the Bill”). This briefing followed certain amendments made […]
US Supreme Court rules Christian baker can refuse to make gay wedding cakes
Originally published in The Christian Post The United States Supreme Court ruled in favour of Colorado Christian baker Jack Phillips on Monday in overwhelming fashion, saying that the state government’s hostility towards his refusal to make a same-sex wedding cake violated the US Constitution. In a 7-2 vote, the nation’s […]
Bougardt judgment indicates likely legal limit of religious speech
Pastor gets prison sentence for offensive remarks towards gays On Friday, 18 May 2018 Pastor Oscar Bougardt – who found himself in trouble with the law again after making certain “highly insulting, demeaning and uncharitable” statements regarding the LGBT community – was convicted of contempt of court and sentenced to […]
Judge rules California can’t force Christian baker to create cakes for same-sex weddings
Originally published in Christian News Network A Superior Court judge has ruled that the State of California cannot force a baker who identifies as a Christian to create cakes for same-sex “weddings” in violation of her faith. He differentiated between selling a generic product on the shelf with having to […]
US pro-life advocates win court victory in free speech case
Originally published in Christian Headlines On January 29 2018, a federal judge told participants in a lawsuit forcing pro-life sidewalk counsellors to defend themselves against harassment charges that leafletting is a “form of really protected speech,” and that sidewalks are recognised as the “quintessential public forum.” The words from the […]
Nigerian pastor acquitted of hate speech in UK
Originally published in Christian Concern A Christian street preacher has been acquitted of using ‘threatening and abusive language’ whilst preaching in Wood Green, London. Pastor Oluwole Ilesanmi, aged 62, had been charged concerning a sermon that he preached on June 24 2017, when a Muslim and two political activists pressed […]
Court rules students can be expelled for quoting Bible on Facebook
Originally published by Christian Concern A Christian student who was expelled from university after posting on Facebook in support of Biblical teaching on marriage and sexual ethics last week lost his case in a judicial review of the university’s decision. Felix Ngole was studying for an MA in Social Work […]
Possible appeal against Qwelane hate speech judgment
Columnist Jon Qwelane has applied to the Johannesburg High Court (sitting as Equality Court) for leave to appeal against Judge Moshidi’s judgment on August 18. The judgment declared Qwelane’s statements (in the article that appeared in the Sunday Sun under the heading “Call me names, but gay is not okay”) […]