Declaration | Article 19: Freedom of Opinion and Expression

The idea that people should be free to think and believe what they wish seems like an obvious good. But massive diversity of religious and other beliefs that exist in our society presents real and pressing challenges. Are there limitations to this freedom of thought and religion? Or are there limitations to how, where and when we are allowed to express our beliefs? When one person’s beliefs appear to impinge upon the rights or freedoms of another person, how can we begin to assess which takes precedence – which freedom wins? This interactive workshop will look at a range of recent examples from British life, when the freedom of thought and religion was in tension with other important freedoms.

The facilitators will be Frances Hume and Jamie Spurway of Interfaith Scotland – an organisation which exists to create opportunities for dialogue between people of diverse religion and belief backgrounds, including those of no religion.