The UK Debate & Free Speech

When I started the UK Debate forums I wanted to include a tag line that embraced the spirit of the UK Debate rather than one that was trendy or search engine tasty.

I decided to use the strap line "A Free Speech Forum" because I felt that the phrase best represented what I wanted the debating environment of the UK Debate to be.

I was aware from the off that the phrase free speech has a unique meaning to individuals and that by making such a boast I could face accusations of "...this is supposed to be a free speech forum but you..." should a decision or rule need to be enforced that a member disagreed with.

I came to the conclusion, however, that the benefits to all members who debate the full spectrum of political beliefs in an open, honest and mature manner without having to endure tantrums and personal attacks would far outweigh any added hassles that the free speech tag brings.

Forum Rules to Promote Free Speech

The UK Debate has a set of rules and guidelines that allows free speech as I see it.

They have been written to provide a framework in which debate can be honest, passionate, diverse in opinion and yet protective of the rights of others to disagree while still remaining publicly viewable. Myself and the forum moderators put a good deal of thought and effort into designing a balanced set of rules that promote an individuals right to have his or her say while staying within the bounds of legal requirements and common decency.

What Is Free Speech To Me?

Perhaps the best way to sum up what free speech means to me, and therefore what free speech means in context to the UK Debate is as follows:

If you believe that free speech gives you the right to swear excessively, attack people with spite or personal jibes, harass or bully those who are less vociferous than you or ridicule people simply because they have the audacity to disagree with your point of view then the UK Debate is probably not "free speech" enough for you.

On the other hand if you believe that free speech gives you the right to argue with thought, maturity and tolerance and you believe that same right belongs to those who might disagree with you, then welcome to The UK Debate - A FREE SPEECH FORUM.

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