Irish Comedy Writer Graham Linehan Makes Stand Against Edinburgh Fringe Festival Attempts at Censorship

Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan has performed his Edinburgh Fringe Festival show outside the Scottish Parliament after the venue Leith Arches cancelled his show in a blatant attempt to close down freedom of expression. A second venue had also pulled out of hosting the event demonstrating how far the The Edinburgh Festival Comedy Fringe has moved away from its original idea of being a celebration of cutting edge comedy and free speech. Over recent years there has been criticism of what some have described as Edinburgh Comedy Fringe venues behaving like the Nazi book burners of the 1930's.  

Many have pointed to the importance of protecting the right to critique ideas, philosophical, religious and other in order to allow an artistic and democratic society to flourish. In the case of Graham Linehan it was his view on the "trans" movement that prompted Leith Arches to decide because they found them offensive others should be banned from hearing them. Scottish National Party Member of  the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Kate Forbes has criticised this increasing suppression of free speech at the Fringe as being  'really scary'. The "Father Ted" creator Graham Linehan has been praised for going ahead with his show  and he said it was important to "make a stand" and hold the impromptu and highly successful performance on the streets of Edinburgh. The fact that it took place outside the Scottish Parliament also gave it added meaning.

Image: Nazi book burning in Berlin, May 1933