We want to protect freedom of speech, but it is not unlimited freedom of speech. There has always been rules around defamation, slander and libel, and in Victoria, we have effective rules on racial and religious vilification.

In commendably seeking to protect freedom of speech, we must not lower our defences against the evil of racial and religious intolerance.

While we as members of the Coalition strongly support free speech, it is not unlimited free speech. People aren't free to vilify others on the basis of race or religion.

If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.

There is no ageism or 'youthism' when it comes to freedom of speech. We are all citizens.

Abdul Basit and the Hurriyat did not thank their freedom of speech in India when they could spend the Pakistan National Day and talk freely on the Indian soil. Freedom of speech has gone unnoticed with no sign of any gratefulness.