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Holocaust Denial Cases and Freedom of Expression in the United States

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Holocaust Denial Cases and Freedom of Expression in the United States Holocaust Denial Cases and Freedom of Expression in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom By Charla Marie Boley Submitted to Central European University, Department of Legal Studies In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of … M.A. in Human Rights Supervisor: Professor Vladimir Petrovic Budapest, Hungary 2016 CEU eTD Collection Copyright 2016 Central European University CEU eTD Collection i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Freedom of expression is an internationally recognized fundamental right, crucial to open societies and democracy. Therefore, when the right is utilized to proliferate hate speech targeted at especially vulnerable groups of people, societies face the uncomfortable question of how and when to limit freedom of expression. Holocaust denial, as a form of hate speech, poses such a problem. This particular form of hate speech creates specific problems unique to its “field” in that perpetrators cloak their rhetoric under a screen of academia and that initial responses typically discard it as absurd, crazy, and not worth acknowledging. The three common law jurisdictions of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom all value free speech and expression, but depending on national legislation and jurisprudence approach the question of Holocaust denial differently. The three trials of Holocaust deniers Zundel, Irving, and the the Institute for Historical Review, a pseudo academic organization, caught the public’s attention with a significant amount of sensationalism. The manner in which the cases unfolded and their aftermath demonstrate that Holocaust denial embodies anti-Semitism and is a form of hate speech. Furthermore, examination of trial transcripts, media response, and existing scholarship, shows that combating denial in courtrooms can have the unintended consequence of further radicalizing deniers and swaying more to join their ranks. As an international movement, Holocaust denial requires a layered and consistent response CEU eTD Collection by states. Appropriate responses should focus on public education that recognizes Holocaust denial as a form of hate speech and manifestation of anti-Semitism. Public education focuses on education and the promotion of inclusive societies may be an alternative to the courtroom and in the very least must accompany legal action. ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I have found myself especially fortunate over the past eight years to have been inspired and guided by outstanding professors and academics. In my early undergrad years I was introduced to the topic of mass atrocities and genocide by Professor Katherine Sadler, professor of history at Clark College, Vancouver, WA. Although it is likely the most depressing course she offers, it is also one of her most impassioned and heartfelt. I was further encouraged in my interests by Professor David Campion, professor of history at Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR, who I credit with instilling in me a drive for exploration and a commitment to the historical perspective — a perspective invaluable in the field of human rights and which I attempted to bring to my work here. Further, Professor Sejal Palmer of Central European University, Budapest, opened the door to a subject I had not too closely examined before: freedom of expression. The impression she made in her course resonates with me still and had no small part in shifting the focus of my studies toward this topic. I would also like to thank my alma mater, Lewis & Clark College, for the use of their library for a significant portion of my research conducted as I resided in the United States. In the days leading up to submission, my close friends and family gave valuable support and encouragement, reading through drafts or covering for my sudden disappearance from the world. I am most thankful, though, to my advisor, Professor Vladimir Petrovic, for his good humor and faith throughout. And to my peers Nehl Hirani and Janice Ayarzagoitia Resenfeld for providing constant motivation, laughter, and friendship. As Professor Petorvic always saw fit to remind me, it is important to enjoy the journey. CEU eTD Collection iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgments ............................................................................................................................................... iii Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 1 What is Denial? ............................................................................................................................................... 2 A Broader Look at Denial .............................................................................................................................. 5 Who Denies ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 Existing Scholarship ....................................................................................................................................... 9 Chapter 1: International law and freedom of Expression .................................................................................... 17 International Law Protecting Freedom of Expression .............................................................................. 18 International Law Limiting Hate Speech ................................................................................................... 19 The Legal Movement toward Criminalizing Holocaust Denial ................................................................ 21 Chapter 2: Holocaust Denial in the United States ............................................................................................... 23 The Law ......................................................................................................................................................... 24 The Denier ..................................................................................................................................................... 27 The Case ........................................................................................................................................................ 29 Reflections ..................................................................................................................................................... 36 Chapter 3: Holocaust Denial in Canada .............................................................................................................. 37 The Law ......................................................................................................................................................... 38 The Deniers ................................................................................................................................................... 41 The Case ........................................................................................................................................................ 45 Reflections ..................................................................................................................................................... 53 Chapter 4: Holocaust Denial in the United Kingdom ......................................................................................... 55 The Law ......................................................................................................................................................... 55 The Denier ..................................................................................................................................................... 59 The Case ........................................................................................................................................................ 61 Reflections ..................................................................................................................................................... 69 CEU eTD Collection Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................................... 71 Bibliography ....................................................................................................................................................... 76 Appendix ............................................................................................................................................................. 85 iv INTRODUCTION Among the many problems faced by liberal democracies today rests the persistent and unavoidable dilemma of combatting racism while protecting freedom of thought, expression and political association. 1 Such an issue is hardly anything new to liberal democracies which perpetually balance individual liberties against something akin to a greater good. In the case of speech, liberal democracies have long debated where to draw such a line, looking to establish “where the intolerable and impermissible coincide.”2 On the one hand, freedom of speech and expression represents one of the cornerstones of democracy, a fundamental right facilitating political debate, self-realization, and discovery. And yet, the exercise of this right can and does conflict with other, equally, important societal
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