Document Type
Article
Disciplines
International Law
Abstract
This Note examines two incidents, one in the United States and one in Australia, where airline passengers were forced to change out of politically critical t-shirts in order to board their flights. Both passengers initially resisted, claiming a free speech right to wear their t-shirts. However, once it became clear that they would not be permitted to board their flights unless they changed their clothing, they relented and donned acceptable t-shirts. Both passengers complied with security measures, and neither passenger acted in a way that would threaten security. Rather, the passengers were told that the messages printed on their tshirts alone presented a security issue and could cause discomfort for other passengers. In the media splash following both incidents, the t-shirt offenders vowed to advocate for their speech rights in court.
This Note analyzes the passengers' potential legal claims through a predictive lens, taking into account the respective circumstances and legal protections of each case. Although the cases differ, given that the American case involves not only a free speech claim but a civil rights claim and racial profiling issues, comparing the striking similarities of the cases yields a useful discussion of free speech protection in the U.S. and Australia.
Recommended Citation
Amandus, Elizabeth A., "A T-Shirt as a Security Threat: Where's the Right to Free Speech in the United States and Australia" (2008). Connecticut Journal of International Law. 477.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/cjil/477
Accessibility Requirements
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