SUBMISSIONS ON THE PREVENTION AND COMBATTING OF HATE CRIMES AND HATE SPEECH BILL ON BEHALF OF: A COALITION OF SOUTH AFRICAN COMEDIANS 31 January 2017 PREPARED BY: ADV. STUART SCOTT ADV. ITUMELENG PHALANE GROUP 621 CHAMBERS SANDTON AND DR DARIO MILO WEBBER WENTZEL ATTORNEYS 90 Rivonia Road, Sandton Johannesburg
[email protected] TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 3 THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION .................................................................... 6 FIVE IMPORTANT CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES RELATING TO FREE SPEECH .... 8 First - Limitations on the right to freedom of expression must be interpreted narrowly ....... 8 Second - Freedom of expression cannot be limited on a speculative basis ....................... 8 Third - Freedom of speech includes the freedom to engage in offensive speech............... 9 Fourth - The meaning and legal effect of speech must be interpreted in context ............. 11 Fifth – there is express, additional protection for artistic expression ................................ 14 HATE SPEECH UNDER THE CONSTITUTION .................................................................. 16 The definition under the Hate Crimes Bill is broader than the Constitution ...................... 18 Broad definition under the Hate Crimes Bill applies to artistic works and cartoons .......... 20 THE BILL FAILS THE LIMITATIONS ANALYSIS ...............................................................