A speaker, including a pastor, has 1A rights too--including the right to speak without interference from a "heckler's veto". And that's even before we get into religious rights.
As I understand it, free speech includes not only the right to speak but also the right to hear speech, especially when it’s controversial. When a group mobilises to block entry or force a venue to cancel an event, that’s effectively a heckler’s veto, a form of mob censorship that undermines the open marketplace of ideas. Authorities and venues should protect both the speaker’s rights and the protestors’ rights to protest without allowing either to shut down public discourse.
How does that apply to cases where theatres and other private institutions have cancelled shows? For example, NY comedian, Guy Hochman, was scheduled to perform in the Broadway Comedy Club.
Apparently, the show was cancelled due to threats from pro-Palestine protesters.
A speaker, including a pastor, has 1A rights too--including the right to speak without interference from a "heckler's veto". And that's even before we get into religious rights.
As I understand it, free speech includes not only the right to speak but also the right to hear speech, especially when it’s controversial. When a group mobilises to block entry or force a venue to cancel an event, that’s effectively a heckler’s veto, a form of mob censorship that undermines the open marketplace of ideas. Authorities and venues should protect both the speaker’s rights and the protestors’ rights to protest without allowing either to shut down public discourse.
How does that apply to cases where theatres and other private institutions have cancelled shows? For example, NY comedian, Guy Hochman, was scheduled to perform in the Broadway Comedy Club.
Apparently, the show was cancelled due to threats from pro-Palestine protesters.
Thank you!!!!
🎯