Letters to the editor

Charlie Hebdo most certainly presented offensive content that would enrage devout Muslims around the world and I would not engage in such satire, but as a defender of the freedom of expression I accept that the right to offend and insult is a natural outcome of this most fundamental principle.

However, it intrigues me how many of my countryman have just discovered the importance of freedom of expression in their support of the right of French satirists to present objectionable material.

Where were these people of principle when the Gillard government was attempting to rein in our press and again when the present government was proposing the repeal of section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which aims to make the use of offensive and insulting speech illegal in this country.

I am also very critical of Tony Abbott who, in the aftermath of the Paris atrocities, has spoken at length on the importance of freedom of expression, when it was he who abandoned the repeal of section 18C so cheaply earlier this year.

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I hope this new found acknowledgement of the importance of freedom of expression takes root and that we as a nation can practice what we preach.

H.Ronald, Jerrabomberra

Senator Eric Abetz (Canberra Times, January 12) asserts that the Abbott Government cannot borrow money to pay for a wage increase for public servants.

A similar case was made when his government cut the real wages of Defence Force employees.

See the original post here:

Freedom of expression must be upheld in wake of Charlie Hebdo attacks