Speech

Former Coach Fights for Reinstatement, Claims Free Speech Violation Over Transgender Athlete Policy Comments

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Lake Oswego, OR — A dispute over free speech and employment rights is unfolding as former Lake Oswego High School track coach John Parks battles to reclaim his position after being dismissed. Parks asserts that his termination was a violation of his First Amendment rights, stemming from a letter he sent to Oregon state officials regarding policies affecting transgender athletes in sports. This case, which has drawn significant legal attention, may set a precedent on the intersection of free speech and employment in educational settings. Parks was relieved of his duties following his communication with … Read more

European Human Rights Court Condemns Azerbaijan for Violating Lawyer’s Free Speech in Corruption Whistleblowing Case

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STRASBOURG, France — In a landmark ruling on Thursday, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found Azerbaijan guilty of infringing on the freedom of expression of a lawyer who had been disbarred after lodging a corruption complaint against a legal consultancy’s director. This case has drawn widespread attention as it underscores the tension between national law practices and international human rights norms. The legal proceedings centered around Afgan Mammadov, a lawyer who faced disbarment as a repercussion for accusing the director of manipulating lawyer warrants and altering official records, actions that he deemed corrupt. … Read more

From Colonial Times to Modern Days: The Evolution of Blasphemy Laws in the U.S. and Their Impact on Freedom of Speech

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In the global landscape of laws that govern religious expression, 79 countries hold onto blasphemy statutes, with some, including Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, imposing the death penalty for violations. The presence and enforcement of these laws bring to light a complex intersection of religion, free speech, and human rights. Historically in the United States, though currently free from blasphemy laws, the track record tells a different story that traces back to the establishment of American colonies. These early laws primarily protected the Christian faith, often excluding or penalizing other religious expressions. … Read more

Tech Giants Challenge California’s Child Safety Law, Citing Free Speech Concerns

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SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — In a significant legal challenge, NetChoice, a technology trade organization that counts industry giants like Meta, Google, and X among its members, has intensified its fight against certain aspects of California’s new online safety law aimed at protecting children. The group lodged an amended complaint on Friday, seeking a halt to the enforcement of the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, arguing that it infringes on First Amendment rights. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, targets provisions of the legislation that restrict how the … Read more