Congratulations to Taiwan’s Communist Party

The Central News Agency reports that the Council of Grand Justices last Friday issued a constitutional interpretation that disallows the authorities the right to ban a political party based on their political views. This means that the “Taiwan Democratic Communist Party” may soon be on a ballot near you. The ruling came as result of former presidential Office Secretary-General Chen Shih-meng’s request for a decision on the legality of a provision in the Civil Associations Act (CAA). The CAA had banned “Organizations and activities of civil associations that advocate communism or claim abruption of the country.”

In 1998, Chen tried to set up a pro-Taiwanese Independence group in Taipei City but was denied a permit as his group’s aims fell afoul of the CAA provision. After years of applying through the court system, last week’s ruling threw off one of the last holdovers from a less democratic era.

Roughly 50 years ago, Taiwan faced the imminent threat of invasion from communist China and in all the decades since, has continuously faced the possibility of a “fifth column” of communist infiltrators or sympathizers who seek to wreck havoc. But with its ruling, the Council of Grand Justices has decided to reject the fears of the past and take the braver path by allowing complete freedom of speech and assembly. The decision means that R.O.C. citizens are now judged on only what they do, not what they say or think.

In words taken directly from the ruling the constitutional court said that “freedom of speech is a basic human right protected by the Constitution and an indispensable mechanism to ensure the normal development of a pluralistic democracy.” The justices noted that —- while obviously not the majority political position of Taiwan’s residents — communism or secession from the country are political positions individual citizens are free to advocate in favor of. We applaud the court’s decision and salute their bravery. Freedom and democracy do often require tolerance for opinions and creeds that are at times diabolically opposed to both the majority opinion and even good sense.

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” wrote British writer Evelyn Beatrice Hall. So congratulations to Taiwan’s communists, independence-advocates and other minority political parties. While the vast majority of Taiwan’s residents may not agree with your political positions, we’re glad we live in a country that allows you to express your differing view.

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