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https://theconversation.com/not-my-king-do-we-have-the-right-to-protest-the-monarchy-at-a-time-of-mourning-190687>
"During the present period of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, public
sensitivities in the United Kingdom and Australia are high. There’s strong
sentiment in both countries in favour of showing respect for the queen’s death.
Some people may wish to do this privately. Others will want to demonstrate
their respect publicly by attending commemorations and processions.
There are also cohorts within both countries that may wish to express
discontent and disagreement with the monarchy at this time. For instance,
groups such as Indigenous peoples and others who were subject to dispossession
and oppression by the British monarchy may wish to express important political
views about these significant and continuing injustices.
This has caused tension across the globe. For instance, a professor from the
United States who tweeted a critical comment of the queen has been subject to
significant public backlash. Also, an Aboriginal rugby league player is facing
a ban and a fine by the NRL for similar negative comments she posted online
following the queen’s death.
This tension has been particularly so in the UK, where police have questioned
protestors expressing anti-monarchy sentiments, and in some cases, arrested
them.
But should such concerns about the actions of the queen and monarchy be
silenced or limited because a public declaration of mourning has been made by
the government?
This raises some difficult questions as to how the freedom of speech of both
those who wish to grieve publicly and those who wish to protest should be
balanced."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
