The end of the enlightenment

Our European colleagues have been demonstrating the meaning of the European Convention on Human Rights, and in particular Article 9, which is on the subject of freedom of speech.

Article 9 – Freedom of thought, conscience and religion

1. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
2. Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

Note particularly the second point above. What we have is freedom of speech subject to whether the state thinks what you are saying is acceptable. Don't believe me? Take a look at this:

So it has happened: thoughtcrime is now officially a crime in Finland. Stating your opinion, moreover stating your opinions based of government statistics, is illegal. Finns may now only express a politically sanctioned range of opinions subject to supervision by official Gauleiters like Mikko Puumalainen. The fine is small but so what? The message is clear. Dissent will not be tolerated by the Finnish state. It should not matter a damn if you agree with what Mikko Ellilä says, it is outrageous that he is not being allowed to say what he thinks.

Can we leave yet? 

Comments

[Vindico]

Why is it the blogosphere picks this stuff up but the mainstream media refuses to mention, or even hint at, such stories? Is it not juicy enough? Or are they just cretinous snot-goblins?

[Bishop Hill]

It's foreign, so it doesn't sell. The implications for the UK are probably lost on them. They are certainly snot-goblins though.

[CountingCats]

You have only just noticed that the European convention on human rights actually promises nothing? Read the rest of it. Same with that stuff over at the UN.

Worthless, the lot of it.

Then read the US Bill of Rights. Make your own comparisons.

[Bishop Hill]

No, I'd noticed before, but if you want to win the arguments, you have to keep saying it.