It would be a tragedy for this country if, influenced by overseas excesses, we were to legislate for hate speech. Such legislation could have a chilling effect on debate here on all manner of issues, says former Attorney General Chris Finlayson. Yet that’s exactly what’s likely to happen. Justice Minister Kiri Allan says she will Read more
Hate speech laws were supposed to be ready by now but, after confusion and “strong feedback”, the Government is giving it a rethink. In June last year, Justice Minister Kris Faafoi launched a discussion document outlining the Government’s plan to create new hate speech laws in response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Read more
A Muslim group says the submission process on proposed hate speech laws is dysfunctional. Today is the last day for submissions on the proposed changes to the Human Rights Act which would protect more groups from hate speech. Federation of Islamic Associations spokesperson Abdur Razzaq says the group hasn’t been given enough time to put Read more
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon says the proposed hate speech law will be a welcome addition to the human rights toolkit. He says the current law covers race and ethnicity, but is silent on disability, religious beliefs or sexual gender or orientation. About half the complaints to the Human Rights Commission are about racial discrimination, Read more