Lisburn councillor speaks out about fear of threat to freedom of speech

During a debate on a council motion to defend freedom of speech, Councillor Nicholas Trimble revealed a perceived “threat” had been made to him.

In the chamber, Mr Trimble said: “Chilling is not the right word, it is sinister and scary when you feel that you cannot speak for a variety of reasons.

“What happened to me a couple of years ago I was approached by the police to give a witness statement and I did, as I thought that was the right thing to do.

“Speaking to the police is something that should be encouraged.

“Shortly after I gave a statement, comments were made to me in a face to face context on why I was making a statement to the police and I found those comments to be intimidating and I felt threatened by them.”

Mr Trimble was speaking during a motion debate before the chamber about free speech, which was brought forward by independent councillor Gary Hynds. The motion called for the council to affirm its commitment to freedom of expression, open democratic debate, and the right of individuals to express lawful opinions without fear of disproportionate or unnecessary interference.

Mr Trimble added: “I wish the story ended there but it doesn’t because then when a friend of mine on Facebook tagged me..I responded to comments, saying that this had happened.

“What happened was the same individual who made the comments to me…we had a complaint to the Ulster Unionist Party, a complaint to the Mayor’s Office, a complaint to the Commissioner for Local Government Standards and threatened legal action.

“I had to seek legal advice, my blood pressure was through the roof, it was horrible and I have huge sympathy with anyone who feels like they are in a situation where they cannot speak.

“Thankfully for me it was all resolved as all the complaints were chucked out but I still bear those metaphorical scars.

“Lawful speech should always be protected."

Bringing forward the motion, Councillor Hynds said: "Free speech is not a privilege granted by government, institutions or public bodies. It is a fundamental right and one of the cornerstones of a free and democratic society.

“Across society there is a growing concern that the balance between protecting people from harm and protecting freedom of expression is becoming increasingly blurred.

“Those concerns deserve to be heard, not dismissed.

"No one has the right to resort to violence because they dislike, disagree with or claim to be offended by the lawful opinions of another person.

“But I do not believe any institution or authority should decide which lawful opinions are permitted to be heard and which are not.

“Democracy does not require agreement. It requires the freedom to disagree.

“As elected representatives, every member in this chamber has a responsibility to speak on behalf of the people who sent us here.

“And one of the concerns I hear increasingly from ordinary people is that some opinions seem to be welcomed in public debate while others are dismissed, ridiculed or portrayed in the worst possible light.

“The point is that people should be free to hear different views and decide for themselves.”