Freedom to Read Week is nearly upon us. The annual event that “encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom” kicks off on Sunday, February 20, 2011.
The importance of Freedom to Read Week is explained with a statement by the Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council.
“Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms . . . thought, belief, opinion, and expression.”
— Canadian Charter of Rights and FreedomsFreedom of expression is a fundamental right of all Canadians, and freedom to read is part of that precious heritage. Our Committee, representing member organizations and associations of the Book and Periodical Council, reaffirms its support of this vital principle and opposes all efforts to suppress writing and silence writers. Words and images in their myriad configurations are the substance of free expression.
The freedom to choose what we read does not, however, include the freedom to choose for others. We accept that courts alone have the authority to restrict reading material, a prerogative that cannot be delegated or appropriated. Prior restraint demeans individual responsibility; it is anathema to freedom and democracy.
As writers, editors, publishers, book manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and librarians, we abhor arbitrary interpretations of the law and other attempts to limit freedom of expression. We recognize court judgments; otherwise, we oppose the detention, seizure, destruction, or banning of books and periodicals – indeed, any effort to deny, repress, or sanitize. Censorship does not protect society; it smothers creativity and precludes open debate of controversial issues.
Freedom to Read Week is about giving a voice to the silenced. The Freedom of Expression Committee does just this with a week of activities and discussions geared towards greater communication and understanding of the issues at play.
Individuals interested in taking part can consult the calendar for events in their neighbourhood. I don’t think children will dismiss the opportunity to add their voice to the cause when they learn that J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is just one of many banned in Canada.
In the end, it’s all about choice. So, I pose this question: Do you want to be able to choose for yourself?
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