Viewpoints
Opinion

John Carpay: Invoking ‘Safety and Security’ to Censor Freedom of Expression Is Unacceptable in a Free Society

John Carpay: Invoking ‘Safety and Security’ to Censor Freedom of Expression Is Unacceptable in a Free Society
Christian musician Sean Feucht of California preaches to the crowd during a rally at the National Mall in Washington on Oct. 25, 2020. Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo
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Commentary

In a free country, the public square should be accessible for everyone, not just for those who adhere to the “correct” or majority opinions. A private entity like a church or a business need not make space available for all comers, and can legitimately pick and choose. In contrast, a city cannot discriminate against the “wrong” opinions when regulating the use of public parks, conference centres, or the square in front of city hall.