Question: when did the uk get freedom of speech

title: Freedom of speech by country
text: Certain sections of the Flag and Heraldic Code require particular expressions and prohibit other expressions . Title thirteen of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines criminalizes libel and slander by act or deed ( slander by deed is defined as `` any act ... which shall cast dishonor , discredit or contempt upon another person . '' ) , providing penalties of fine or imprisonment . In 2012 , acting on a complaint by an imprisoned broadcaster who dramatised a newspaper account reporting that a particular politician was seen running naked in a hotel when caught in bed by the husband of the woman with whom he was said to have spent the night , the United Nations Commission on Human Rights ruled that the criminalization of libel violates freedom of expression and is inconsistent with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights , commenting that `` Defamations laws should not ... stifle freedom of expression '' and that `` Penal defamation laws should include defense of truth . '' Blasphemy against decency and good customs is an offense which is punishable by a prison term , a fine , or both . Other offenses against decency and good customs include : public displays or exhibitions which glorify criminals or condone crimes , serve no other purpose but to satisfy the market for violence , lust or pornography , offend any race or religion , tend to abet traffic in and use of prohibited drugs , and are contrary to law , public order , morals , and good customs , established policies , lawful orders , decrees and edicts ; publishing or selling obscene literature ; selling , giving away , or exhibiting films , prints , engravings , sculpture or literature which are offensive to morals ; publicly expounding or proclaiming doctrines openly contrary to public morals ; and highly scandalous conduct not expressly falling within any other article of the code .