It is insulting to suggest that Randa Abdel-Fattah, the writer at the centre of the storm that led to the cancellation of Adelaide Writers Week, faced a freedom of speech restriction. She can say whatever she likes within the law. Just like the rest of us. She cannot however demand that others provide a forum to amplify her views. That's the con or misunderstanding that's being peddled.

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There is no right to demand others provide amplification. Having studied Human Rights Law some fifty years ago, before it was trendy, I feel qualified to assure you of that. Protestors are keen to talk about their rights, less so the rights of others. Do you think Jews have a right to feel culturally safe, especially in Australia?

How can Abdel-Fattah and her supporters think it's fine to demand a Jewish person be uninvited to a writers week event but not ok for that to happen to you? Everyone who has supported her has to wear the odium of such hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is rife among the righteous.

This is the third year in a row that the AWW has dealt with controversy relating to guests who were pro-Palestinian and or anti-Israel. Why aren't authors on other conflicts in Africa and Asia invited? Where are the writers pleading for women's rights in Iran?

It is quite understandable that in the wake of Bondi some wise heads thought that showing deference to the shock and grief that has touched so many Australians, not just the Jewish community, would be appropriate. No one would expect Abdel-Fattah to agree.

Her views and comments have had plenty of air space. They're strong and to me completely abhorrent views. She is however entitled to hold them. It will be interesting to see if the federal governments hate speech laws to be introduced into parliament shortly would restrict the articulation of such remarks.

Those who have gone out in sympathy have a very weird set of values. It's apparently OK to spew hatred but not OK to decline to amplify that hatred, even in circumstances when people are grieving.

MORE AMANDA VANSTONE:

The writers declining to attend say they are doing so in support of........

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