Eventbrite, a popular event management and ticketing website, recently canceled an event organized by Moms for Liberty, a parental rights group. The event, titled “Brownstone Supper Club, January 17, 2023: Tiffany Justice,” was scheduled to take place in New York but was removed from the platform for violating Eventbrite’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.

.@eventbrite can try to cancel me, but they can’t cancel the truth.

Coming to New York in January. https://t.co/lYOlJN2HG2

— Tiffany Justice (@4TiffanyJustice) December 9, 2023

Moms for Liberty, co-founded by Tiffany Justice, Tina Descovich, and Bridget Ziegler, has been at the forefront of advocating for conservative “parental rights” in education and family values. However, the group has faced criticism and has been identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a group that “vilifies public education and educators, spreads fear about diversity and inclusion efforts, and fights against the rights and recognition of LGBTQ people.”

Shame on you @eventbrite First @Riley_Gaines_ and now @4TiffanyJustice Why do you hate women? https://t.co/FIN78flDKO

— Tina Descovich 🇺🇸 (@TinaDescovich) December 9, 2023

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The cancellation by Eventbrite follows a pattern of tech companies taking action against groups or individuals identified by the SPLC. In a statement, Eventbrite cited that the event’s content or activities were found to discriminate against, harass, disparage, threaten, incite violence against, or otherwise target individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, and others.

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In response to the cancellation, Tiffany Justice tweeted, “@eventbrite can try to cancel me, but they can’t cancel the truth. Coming to New York in January.” This statement reflects a defiance against the decision and suggests that the event or a similar gathering might still take place, albeit through different means. Moms for Liberty has used Eventbright for numerous events in the past.

The decision by Eventbrite has sparked a debate over the balance between enforcing community standards on digital platforms and ensuring freedom of speech. While Eventbrite asserts its commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment, critics argue that such actions could stifle legitimate debate and discussion.

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Moms for Liberty has been increasingly visible in its efforts to influence school board elections and educational policies, particularly around issues such as curriculum content and COVID-19 protocols. The group’s approach and rhetoric have been divisive, attracting both staunch supporters and vehement critics.

Their efforts have been undermined as of late facing a tremendous defeat at the ballot box in the last election, quoting Hitler in their literature, being forced to remove numerous Chapter Chairs for working with the Proud Boys, and now their co-founder Bridget Ziegler facing the scandal of the year admitting to an adulterous affair with another woman after her husband was accused of raping her.

The banning raises important questions about the role of tech companies in moderating content and events, and the fine line they tread in distinguishing between hate speech and free speech. As the debate continues, the actions of Eventbrite and similar companies will likely remain under scrutiny, especially in the context of politically and socially charged issues.

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