Free speech vital to democracy

LAST week there was supposed to be a debate in Cork University Hospital (CUH) regarding euthanasia, which was supposed to be attended by controversial Doctor Len Doyal, who supports euthanasia.

There was always going to be a protest at it and rightly so. Euthanasia is immoral and unethical and should never ever be implemented.

Nevertheless, what happened was an absolute disgrace. The protesters repeatedly disrupted the debate, tried to cause trouble, and succeeded.

The gardaí were called and eventually the debate was adjourned. Instead of arguing their case, those opposed to euthanasia intimidated Dr Doyal and prevented those in favour of euthanasia from expressing their points of view.

Surely if one cannot argue one’s point without intimidating the other then one must not have much of an argument in the first place.

Again I stress, I believe that euthanasia is wrong but the movement against it is being hijacked by people who wish to cause trouble and wish to prevent a debate, mainly because they are unable to debate themselves.

Everybody has the right to free speech no matter what side of any argument one may be on.

So, where is the line drawn between free speech and social justice? I fully support and am a strong advocate of free speech, including in the cases of euthanasia and abortion, both of which I oppose.

It is an essential cog in a free and fair democracy. A good passionate debate is healthy for a free society and should always be promoted.

The only exception is when free speech leads to incitement of hatred and fear.This is very unhealthy for society and leads to people living in fear and on edge.

This is not what we want. Free speech is crucial but it must not be abused.

Debate, but do not suffocate.

Mark McDonnell

Rathcoole

Mallow

Co Cork