Statement on the Killing of Charlie Kirk: Free Speech Is the Only Alternative to Violence

The Canadian Constitution Foundation is shocked and saddened by the killing of Charlie Kirk. We extend our condolences to his family and all those affected.

In a free society, there are only two ways to settle fundamental disagreements: persuasion or force. Free expression, protected in Canada by section 2(b) of the Charter and in the U.S. by the First Amendment, is the institution that keeps us on the side of persuasion. When a speaker is met with violence, it is not only a tragedy; it is an attack on the civic peace that open debate makes possible.

Defending free speech does not mean endorsing every idea. It means insisting that ideas, including those we strongly oppose, must be confronted with arguments, not intimidation or bloodshed. The moment we abandon that commitment, we exchange reasoned debate for violence, and everyone is less safe.

We call on public leaders, institutions, the media, and citizens to affirm, especially now, that:

• Disagreement should be met with speech, not reprisals or violence;
• Controversial events and speakers should be protected so that debate can occur; and
• Investigations should proceed without speculation, while we recommit to the norms that allow deep differences to be aired peacefully.

Across the free world, our common democratic project depends on this choice. We choose speech over violence.

The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) is a registered charity, independent and non-partisan. We defend the constitutional rights and freedoms of Canadians in the courts of law and public opinion.

For further information, contact:
Joanna Baron
Executive Director
Canadian Constitution Foundation
1-888-695-9105 x. 101
jbaron@theccf.ca

Christine Van Geyn
Litigation Director
Canadian Constitution Foundation
1-888-695-9105 x. 103
cvangeyn@theccf.ca

Josh Dehaas
Counsel
Canadian Constitution Foundation
1-888-695-9105 x. 104
jdehaas@theccf.ca

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