The Center for Inquiry is running a free expression video contest. “The right to freely express oneself is vital in a modern society; we would like you to tell the world why.” All you have to do to win US$2000 is create a short public service announcement style video about the importance of free expression.

One of the insidious, and growing, pressures on freedom of speech right now is the assertion that people – particularly specific groups of people with their own, usually religious, notions – have a right not to be offended. They have no such right and it is wrong to pander to such people in order not to upset them. The basis of free speech in Australia is little more than tenuous, based on a particular interpretation of Sections 7 and 24 of the Constitution and only in relation to political comment. Nevertheless, Sir Roger has made somewhat of a career – a largely unheralded career admittedly – of giving offense or of not avoiding giving offense, if that is what is taken, and he is not at all interested in stopping now.

Anyway, give it a go if you feel like it, or if you can. $2000.

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