The Free Speech Union has written to the Isle of Man Communications Commission following the news that it is investigating Manx Radio over remarks made by one of our members – Mr Stuart Peters, who presents the Late Show. The investigation concerns statements made by Mr Peters on the Late Show in a conversation with a caller into the programme, Mr Jordan Maguire, on Wednesday 3rd June.
In the conversation between them, Mr Peters contested the assertion that he has benefited from “white privilege”. This cannot conceivably justify any investigation by the Commission. Surely, in challenging the idea that all white people are, by virtue of the colour of their skin, “privileged” and cannot fully grasp the problem of racism, Mr Peters was complying with the Commission’s ‘Programme Code’, e.g. upholding the principle that “racist terms” and “insensitive comments”, as well as “stereotypical portrayals” that might “cause offence”, are unacceptable. Whether you agree with Mr Peters’ views or not, it is clear that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Commission on Human Rights, which the Isle of Man is required to uphold under the Human Rights Act 2001.
The death of Mr George Floyd in the United States raises important issues about the criminal-justice system, and whether all races are treated equally in the eyes of the law – on both sides of the Atlantic – and these issues should be discussed in the public square. If we are to fully explore this issue and rectify any injustices, it is essential that all parties are free to discuss the matter without fear of censure. We cannot hope to get to the bottom of the issue if some people in this discussion feel they cannot express their views for fear of being publicly shamed or jeopardising their livelihoods.
Accordingly, we have written to the Commission and asked it to explain why it has launched an investigation into this matter, to confirm that it will be terminating the investigation and exonerating Mr Peters, and to make it clear that no such investigation will be started again in similar circumstances.