The ABC declares there is ‘NO such thing as free speech in Australia’ as it defends censoring comments left on a story about a transgender swimmer
- ABC Facebook page posts article about a transgender swimmer Cassy Judy
- Page moderator bans users and hides comments because of ‘hate speech’
- Moderator also states ‘FYI there is no such thing as free speech in Australia’
The ABC has boldly declared ‘there is no such thing as free speech in Australia’ after banning users during a heated discussion about a transgender swimmer on the national broadcaster’s Facebook page.
The strident declaration about free speech came after some users were kicked off the page over alleged transphobic and sexist comments.
A page moderator had earlier urged users to be constructive, not nasty, when commenting about an article about a transgender swimmer.
In the article, swimmer Cassy Judy said she became a target for ‘hurtful’ comments after McIver’s Ladies Baths, in Coogee, banned pre-surgery trans women.
McIver’s Ladies Baths’ decision to deny some transgender women access was the subject of an ABC article which sparked a fierce debate and saw the public broadcaster ban some Facebook users on its page
An ABC Australia Facebook page moderator claimed ‘there is no such thing as free speech in Australia’ in a heated online discussion on Thursday
The ABC Australia Facebook page moderator posts which have caused a stir
‘I feel like it’s given license to some people to come out and say things that are quite hurtful to trans women like myself or gender nonbinary people,’ she told the ABC.
‘Things like … ‘You are what’s between your legs’.’
‘For me, [the baths] was a place where I went before surgery just to feel accepted and included as a woman.’
An initial moderator post in the article thread asked people to avoid being ‘nasty’ in response to the article and warned that the page ‘will not tolerate any transphobic or sexist commentary’.
‘We will be hiding comments and banning users without further notice if you breach our terms’.
It posted a link to the terms, which under the heading ‘ABC Online Communities’ said it encourages ‘rigorous debate and the sharing of diverse opinions’ but ‘expects community members to treat each other with respect and courtesy’.
The conditions also reserve the right to ‘edit, remove or exercise its discretion not to publish’ comments if deemed to ‘violate laws regarding harassment, discrimination, racial vilification, privacy or contempt’ or to be ‘abusive, offensive or obscene; inappropriate, off topic, repetitive or vexatious’.
Later on Thursday, the page moderator stated: ‘We have deleted and banned users as per ABC’s Terms of Use’ and again provided the link.
From there, the moderator’s message became notably more strident, stating: ‘FYI – There is no such thing as free speech in Australia.’
‘Hate speech or transphobic comments will not be tolerated regardless if it’s your opinion.’
The subject of the ABC article which spurred fierce debate were the views of transgender swimmer Cassy Judy
‘If it is your opinion than perhaps you need to educate yourself on equality, empathy and equity.’
The moderator challenged people to make a formal complaint – providing a link – ‘If you’re ‘upset’ about your harmful comments being removed and ‘your taxpayer dollars’.’
The comments left in the discussion were heated, but appeared to be evenly balanced – some supportive of Ms Judy’s statements and view, and some opposed.
Free speech in public forums is complex and depends on the context, however the Australian Human Rights Commission states: ‘The Australian Constitution does not explicitly protect freedom of expression.’
Freedom of expression in media is generally accepted, but in a major international statement, is understood to be balanced by responsibility to show ‘respect of the rights or reputations of others.’
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to the ABC and to the author of the original article, Monique Schafter, for comment.
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