Rowan Atkinson Challenges Boundaries Of Modern Discourse With Free Speech Reforming Section 5!
In a contended discussion from 2012, Rowan Atkinson asked critical questions about the implications of Section 5 of the Public Order Act and voiced its amendment in February 2014.
In recent years, the debates surrounding free speech in the UK have gained momentum, particularly with people like Rowan Atkinson around.
To his credit, Rowan is one of the greatest actors, playing iconic characters such as Mr. Bean and Blackadder.
He is one of few people who has vocally called out Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986.
Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 is the law that criminalizes insulting words and behavior.
Though Atkinson has been a comic central for decades, people never saw his advocacy. However, his argument resonates with many who believe it chokes people’s idea of free expression.
Rowan Atkinson’s Stand Since 2012 Call For Balance Between Free Expression And Public Order
In 2012, Rowan Atkinson made headlines defending free speech against the debatable Section 5 of the Public Order Act.
His speech still highlights the tension between maintaining order and creating a culture of fear around open dialogue.
The UK government designed Section 5 to prevent harassment and distress caused by the abusive choice of words in comedy.
However, using the term ‘insulting’ raised concerns about snatching people’s right to talk openly.
Rowan, famously known as Mr. Bean, was heavily rooted in the impact of such implications on humor and satire.
In a 2012 speech at the launch event of the “Reform Section 5” campaign, he said:
If we want a robust Society, we need more robust dialogue, and that must include the right to insult or to offend. The freedom to be inoffensive is no freedom at all.
Rowan Atkinson on Free Speech:
— Adrian Dittmann (@AdrianDittmann) August 11, 2024
“The freedom to be inoffensive is no freedom at all.”
This speech was given in 2012 at the launch event of the "Reform Section 5" campaign, which aimed to address concerns about free speech and reform Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986. It is… pic.twitter.com/uCwsLIvGim
During his address, the artist mainly addressed the protection of comedy and satire, the subjectification of offense, and the importance of tolerance.
With the collaborative efforts, the UK government amended Section 5, removing the term “insulting” from the legislation.
They brought the amendment into force on February 1, 2014, which changed the rule against using insults.
The update on Sections 5(1) and 6(4) of the Act revoked insulting as a criminal offense until it is considered threatening or abusive.
The decision, led by Atkinson’s advocacy, was a victory for free speech, protecting comedy and satire in the UK.
Additional Information
- Rowan Atkinson was honoured with The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
- He started his career with comedy show series for BBC Radio 3.
- Besides free speech advocacy, he have strong political views and have defended unvoiced many times.
