Dr David Cumin
Spokesperson
Free Speech Union
You might remember earlier this month, we told you about how Mighty Ape had pulled two books from its catalogue after complaints from trans activists. The activists tried to demand the same from Auckland City Libraries, Stuff reports.
Auckland City Libraries did the right thing when it described the ambit of its role as not extending to censoring or limiting what people may choose to read.
Em, a transgender non-binary person who complained, said “I think it’s reprehensible Auckland Libraries are providing access to hate speech while hiding under the cover of free speech.”
Removing or suppressing material simply because it offends an individual or group would be unacceptable.
Freedom of access to information is a cornerstone of western, liberal democracy, whereas no one, nowhere, has the right not to be offended.
Why a small and vocal minority feels they have the right to decide for the rest of us what we can and can’t read is beyond us.
It is worth noting that a similar campaign to remove the same books was recently waged in Ottawa, Canada. Irreversible damage went from having 30 holds at the Ottawa Public Library, to now having 162. A clear-cut case of the Streisand effect in action. Surprise, surprise! Censorship always backfires.
We’re not often friends with Auckland Council, but credit where credit is due. Kudos to Auckland City Libraries for siding with the people, free speech and the capacity of people to make up their own mind!
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