Die Freiheit anders Denkender (The freedom of those who think differently)

Panel discussion with

Naïla Chikhi

Independent consultant for integration and women’s policy

Prof. Dr. Oliver Lepsius

Lawyer, Westphalian Wilhelms University Münster

Prof. Dr. Herfried Münkler

Political Scientist, Humboldt University Berlin

Moderation
Prof. Dr. Roland Czada, Osnabrück University

Diversity of opinion, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are three sides of the same coin, which is currently on the edge. In addition to pandemic-related assembly bans, disruptions up to and including the paralysis of events, university lectures and seminars have caused resentment. Freedoms long taken for granted have sparked fierce controversy. It is about polarisation to the point of refusing discourse, fears of shifting cultural boundaries (“cancel culture”), pigeonholing and fears of being applauded from the wrong side. It is about tolerance and mutual respect, about debate culture – a topic that touches the idea of the Osnabrück Peace Forum at its core.

The preparation of the peace talk goes back to the time before the Corona pandemic. In the course of the pandemic, the original subject – disruption and prevention of public performances as well as causes of intolerance – became a major topic for society as a whole. Naïla Chikhi was prevented from speaking by activists when she called for a headscarf ban for underage girls. Prof. Dr. Herfried Münkler had to endure targeted disruptions of his lectures and seminars for years. Prof. Dr. Oliver Lepsius pleaded in several newspaper articles for moderation in dealing with state encroachments on fundamental rights in the course of Corona measures.

6. Mai 2021,19 Uhr, Livestream