By Heidi Ganahl, Rocky Mountain Voice Commentary
On Wednesday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 24-084 into law, effectively creating what some might call the state’s own Ministry of Truth. The bill, supposedly aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and disinformation, establishes a partnership between the state attorney general and the Education Department. It’s designed to reduce “factually inaccurate data” and “encourage respectful discourse.”
Despite the Biden administration’s failure to establish a similar federal agency, those who wish to use government power to control what constitutes fake news and truth seem undeterred.
Proponents of the bill, of course, assure us that it’s not about suppressing viewpoints. State Sen. Lisa Cutter, a Democrat, insisted, “No one is trying to curtail free speech—on the contrary. And I want to remind people this is a study, not legislation allowing the AG to determine anything.”
The new law mandates the Colorado attorney general to promote “respectful engagement and discourse,” fostering productive conversations on statewide and national issues. The AG is tasked with studying how the internet and media, including social platforms, spread misinformation.
Resources will be shared with schools, organizations, and community leaders to facilitate “honest and accurate conversations,” supposedly helping people find common ground and understand diverse perspectives. The AG will also work with various stakeholders to develop and update these educational materials, making them available to school districts across the state.
But really, who wouldn’t want the government defining what misinformation and disinformation are and teaching us how to have political discussions?
Naturally, there’s been pushback on social media. Critics argue that despite Cutter’s assurances, this type of legislation threatens free speech. When the state defines misinformation, it risks silencing dissenting voices.
Ultimately, this law could give the state the power to define truth, leading us down a dangerous path. It might pave the way for future legislation allowing even more government control over online speech. Given the current political climate, it’s hard not to see this legislation as a step towards exactly that.
In a related controversy, it can be a crime to burn a Pride flag, depending on the circumstances, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said on Wednesday.
State residents might want to think twice before doing so, Weiser, a Democrat and Colorado’s top law enforcement officer, told Colorado Politics.
He didn’t, however, address burning the American flag?
Free speech is about power—the power to challenge the status quo and question deeply held beliefs. It only becomes privileged when restricted.
The best way to counter hateful speech is with more speech. Banning offensive speech can drive dangerous views underground, making them harder to identify and potentially more extreme. It also gives a false sense of social progress, harming those the bans were meant to protect when reality surfaces.
Countering hateful speech with more speech is challenging and slow but necessary for lasting progress. Restricting speech is a privileged, short-term solution that doesn’t make society more equal. Instead, it fosters a false sense of justice and exacerbates underlying issues. Recognizing this reality is crucial.
Free speech is not the enemy of progress. Restricting it will not achieve equality but will instead perpetuate oppression.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.