Good news for free speech.

At least one person on the left actually understands it. The bad news is that his party is full of fuckwits that don't, and he was pushed overboard encouraged to walk the plank.

Labor candidate, Daniel Tabone chose to walk the plank at the weekend (and he insists he was not pushed) over his support for the free speech rights of the Sydney Muslim cleric who compared some scantily clad women to “uncovered meat”.
Mr Tabone made it clear yesterday that he did not support the cleric’s remarks or share his opinions but was concerned to defend the right of free speech.
Quoting the French writer Voltaire, he said: “I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it”. ….
Mr Tabone insists that he was not sacked by Labor over his remarks, although the word “dumped” has been widely used.
“I got a phone call at the weekend. I was asked very nicely if I would withdraw from the election and I agreed,” the almost ex-candidate said.

How clear does it have to be? Supporting the right to say something does not mean supporting what is actually said. Will the PC and Righteous ever get their fucking heads wrapped around this fundamental point?

Fuck's sake.


H/T to Thoughts On Freedom (Australian Libertarian Society blog).