Free speech & the law: Obscene Publications - Index on Censorship
Section 1 (1) of the Obscene Publications Act 1959 describes an “obscene” item as one that has the effect of “tending to deprave and corrupt” persons likely to read, see or hear it. This statutory definition is largely based on the common law test of obscenity, as laid down in the case of R v Hicklin 1868, namely:
Why is access to freedom of expression important?
Full access to freedom of expression is difficult to achieve in the absence of universal education and literacy. Around the world, illiteracy and inadequate (or non-existent) education hits the poorest hardest – both because education is often private, and because in poor countries where it is provided by the state, the standard of education ...
Spiritual America 2014 - Index on Censorship
Spiritual America 2014 Xenofon Kavvadias. As part of Index on Censorship’s programme looking into art, law and offence in the UK, this case study looks at Xenofon Kavvadias’s mission to exhibit Spiritual America by Richard Prince in public, effectively reversing the censorship of the image by Tate Modern who removed it from the gallery and …
Obscene Publications - Index on Censorship
The 1959 Act sets out the legal test for obscenity and creates certain offences and defences. Section 1 (1) of the Obscene Publications Act (OPA) 1959 describes an “obscene” item as one that has the effect of tending to deprave and corrupt persons likely to read, see or hear it.
Religion and free speech: it’s complicated - Index on Censorship
In the 1990s, Indian artist and Index award winner MF Husain was the subject of a violent intimidation campaign after painting Hindu gods and goddesses naked. He received death threats and had his work vandalised. Hundreds of complaints were brought against the artist, leading to his prosecution under sections 295 and 153A of India’s Penal Code, which outlaw insulting religions, as well as ...
Major new global free expression index sees UK ranking stumble …
Jan 25, 2023 · A major new global ranking index tracking the state of free expression published today (Wednesday, 25 January) by Index on Censorship sees the UK ranked as only “partially open” in every key area measured.. In the overall rankings, the UK fell below countries including Australia, Israel, Costa Rica, Chile, Jamaica and Japan.
Kamala Harris Archives - Index on Censorship
On the brink. 04 Nov 24 | News and features, United States. Patriotism hasn’t been a standard stance of the Democrats, and especially not of their left flank. But front and centre issues in this election – freedom and democracy – are two words that have become the mantra of the Democratic standard bearer, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Judy Blume on being banned - Index on Censorship
My book Blubber was banned in Montgomery County, Maryland, for ‘lack of moral tone’ and, more recently, challenged in Canton, Ohio, for allowing evil behaviour to go unpunished. But in New Zealand it is used in teacher-training classes to help explain classroom dynamics. Censors do not want children exposed to ideas different from their own.
The Global Voice of Free Expression
The country has a vibrant future believes author Oliver Slow, despite the military junta's attacks on dissent. Censoring Roald Dahl is not the answer, just a problem. Rewording Dahl's classics sets a worrying precedent. Instead of censoring his works we should invest in …
Free speech & the law: “Hate Speech” & Non-Discrimination
This guide will explore the laws that protect citizens against incidents of discrimination and hate in England and Wales that are most likely to encroach on an individual’s free expression rights. We also look at discrimination law, a type of non-criminal law, providing people with the means to sue individuals or organisations who ...