HRC Announce They Monitor Online Comments

July 22, 2014

“The Commissioners recently flagged concern over the rising tide of anger in our community over the PRC Status debates, and the discriminatory comments being directed at politicians, Bermudians, PRC holders, non-Bermudians and others who commented on the issues,” the Human Rights Commission said.

“The Commissioners have most recently been monitoring the on-line comments made on various media sites associated with the Middle School Transformation Plan and the March for Democracy that took place on July 15th [in respect of the Commission of Inquiry issue].

“The racial and hostile statements towards Bermudians in particular, those of certain political affiliations and others, is very disturbing. The Commissioners feel it is incumbent on us to again remind the public that, whilst it is the right of all to express their opinions, this must be in a lawful framework.

“We are continually concerned that many online debates degrade into hateful, vexatious and/or harmful words in respect of an individual’s national origin, political opinion or any other protected ground under the Act.

“The Commissioners invite the public to contact the Human Rights Commission office if you have any complaints, questions or concerns. The office can also assist with any requests for guidance, information or assist with and arrange educational workshops.”

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Comments (18)

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  1. Toodle-oo says:

    Where was the HRC when the PLP was slinging their stuff around for 14 years ?

    And they didn’t even need to go on-line to hear it !

    • FACTs says:

      No where. The Commissioners were not independant then. Read up on it

    • LOLOLOLOLOLOL says:

      Nice one, keep on contributing that hate factor!! Just because one does it does not make it acceptable for the other to do it.

    • Opinions Matter says:

      They were hanging with CURB. Both organizations are not neutral as they claim.

  2. Opinions Matter says:

    You do more than CURB who have said they do not have time as are too bust with lives to comment on the recent hate filled comments by some Bermudians to other Bermudians.

  3. Liars/Truth says:

    witch hunt!

  4. Sandgrownan says:

    Sounds sinister to me. Are they suggesting restricting free speech or acting on something of which they don’t approve.

    If someone says something stupid online, especially if based on an aspect of faith or political affiliation, I absolutely have the right to respond. The problem with censorship is that you build a rod for your own back., your own right to be exposed to unwelcome comments of point of view is every bit as important as the right of those espousing those thoughts.

  5. Anon says:

    I hope you will start to monitor the talk shows as well as that is where the worst of it happens.

    • come on man says:

      Anon. I’m sick of the talk shows. The same idiots talkng about the same crap the involves the OBA or….you guessed it the PLP…

      • Coffee says:

        Yup it’s really bad .. I used to listen to her show on Sundays .. Now I’d rather go to church !

  6. Coffee says:

    HRC ,you have no right to lie !

  7. come on man says:

    monitor for what ? It’s called freedom of speech. You all can complain all you want, as long as it’s not libel or insighting violence then get over it and move on. Good Grief!!!! No wonder this island so far behind. We spend to much time bickering ABOUT WHAT ?NOTHING!!!

  8. truth be told says:

    Not a dam thing the HRC can do about it!

  9. Bold says:

    The HRC handed down a judgement earlier this month that basically said you are allowed to be as racist as you want in a shop or anyplace that is not considered public. They saw video proof and even agreed that human rights were violated but they dismissed it. I very much doubt they would do anything about some comments on a website.

  10. James says:

    There’s a simple solution to the problem; require participants to use their full names.

  11. Jack Frost says:

    I guess we can not have freedom of speech any more. (So it seems) I have lots of thing I can say, but I will keep it to myself for now.