Are We Silenced By Censorship?

***Note to Attendees: Please consider making a $5 donation to contribute to the running costs of this Meetup.*** Censorship has existed in almost every society, from the banning of books and suppression of political dissent to modern debates over social media, misinformation, and offensive speech. Its defenders argue that some restrictions are necessary to protect people and preserve social order. Its critics warn that once authorities gain the power to decide which ideas may be expressed, censorship can quickly become a tool for controlling debate. As George Orwell wrote, *“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”* But does an open society really require us to tolerate speech that is false, offensive, or even potentially harmful? At this Gold Coast meetup, we’ll discuss the dangers of censorship, the limits of free expression, and whether growing pressure to regulate speech is making people increasingly afraid to say what they actually think. The questions we will address are: 1. **Is censorship ever necessary, or is the cure ultimately more dangerous than the disease?** 2. **Who, if anyone, should have the power to decide which ideas are too dangerous to be heard?** 3. **Are we becoming a society in which people increasingly censor themselves out of fear of social or professional consequences?** This event will be held in **Burleigh Heads** **(our first one in this location)**. After the discussion, we’ll stay on for a meal and a drink together, a chance to continue the conversation in a more relaxed setting and support the venue. **PLEASE NOTE:** Please support the venue by purchasing a drink or meal during the event. This is intended to be a good-natured but robust discussion. Please be respectful and prepared to have your ideas challenged. If you are easily offended, this event may not be for you.