Editorial: Freedom of expression trumps abortion views

For those people that sought to bring shame to the Vogue for showing the movie, or tried to organize a boycott, or even supported the idea of a boycott, they should be deeply ashamed of themselves. Not because of their beliefs about abortion, but because they forget where they live and what is really important.

Last week there was a lot of talk on social media in Miramichi about the Vogue showing the movie “Unplanned”. (LINK) I didn’t go see the movie (didn’t interest me so I didn’t go), but I understand it is a film that would be supported by people in the “Right to Life” movement, and not supported by people who want planned parenthood and free access to abortions.

Cineplex defended their decision to show the movie in 14 centres across Canada for a week. In a press release the copany said they had been contacted by people on both sides of the abortion debate, and decided to run the movie after it was rated for age appropriate audiences by provincial bodies. (LINK)

Pretty prickly topic in general, but some local people took it to the next level and were criticizing the theatre that showed it, and even advocating a boycott. This is wrong. Because: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.

But, as someone pointed out to me, boycotting is a form of expression and deserves to be protected. Fair enough. But “shooting the messenger” in this case is counterproductive and goes against who we are as a society. To me it would make more sence to boycott the movie and not the movie theatre.

We take a lot of things for granted: clean water, safe food, democracy, etc… And we don’t think twice about them until they’re threatened. Remember the last time there was a boil order in your neighbourhood? What a pain in the rear that was.

Imagine if your opinions were censored, or if there was a restriction on the type of media that was available to you, one radio station, one news channel, one newspaper (that’s sort of a reality now, but anyway …). Music and movies only when sanctioned by the government. People gathering to pray in basements so nobody finds out.

Sounds impossible in Miramichi, NB, Canada – but I get the impression from reading social media posts about the Vogue playing this movie that some people would trade some of our freedoms just to suppress certain opinions.

Whether you support abortion or not, you have to acknowledge that freedom of expression trumps everything. EVERYTHING.