Organisers of a debate on “women and conservatism” say that apparent attempts to “shut it down” failed and the event went ahead as planned.
The event was organised by Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC), an educational institution and research centre.
Those involved with the centre say there was “an orchestrated campaign to shut down” the civil discussion earlier this week.
The event, “Women and Conservatism” was organised by MCC Brussels and went ahead on Wednesday.
MCC Brussels spokesman John O’Brien criticised any attempts to disrupt its event and told this site: “Their objective is not debate, but intimidation: they are pressuring venues into silence through the threat of disorder and vandalism.
“Let’s be clear: this is an attempt to silence women.”
He added,
“This week’s event featured four women speaking for themselves- about politics, identity, and freedom.
“These bullies (behind the attempt to shut down the event) do not fear hate speech; they fear dissent. Their efforts go beyond protest- they are a calculated attempt to destroy the foundations of democratic discourse.”
He said,
“This isn’t new. Again and again, events in Brussels that question the prevailing orthodoxy are threatened with cancellation.
“Several venues have already caved under pressure- fearful of reprisals, unwilling to defend open discussion.
“And too often, the local political establishment looks the other way, appeasing those who despise democratic values.”
He insisted,
“MCC Brussels will not back down and is determined to defends its right to have its voice heard. Freedom of speech is the foundation of democracy and the ideal of tolerance is essential for maintaining a civilised society.
“These tactics are not just aimed at the speakers or at MCC Brussels, but anyone who dares challenge the elite consensus.”
It is not the first time MCC Brussels says its debates have been targeted. It had to find another venue recently after after a vandal attack on the planned venue.
It alleges that this,too, was an attempt to shut down the event and “silence democracy.”
