ABSTRACT
Freedom of expression entails many aspects: an individual’s freedom to express any view he or she wishes, however offensive to others, in private or public; freedom of the press to express any view; freedom of authors to write and publish; and freedom of film makers to record and distribute films/videos for private and public consumption. From the standpoint of democracy, freedom of speech is crucial to the exchange of political ideas and to the formation of political opinions. The freedom of speech guaranteed to Members of Parliament under Article IX of the Bill of Rights 1689 reflects the constitutional importance of political debate, as does the right of newspapers and broadcasters to publish fair and accurate reports of parliamentary proceedings.1
