Hate speech laws: Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon calls out Government over delays three years after March 15 attacks

Juliet Palmer — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 07:52:07 +0000

On the eve of the three-year anniversary of the mosque terror attacks, the Race Relations Commissioner has accused the Government of "dragging its heels" over proposed hate speech laws.

Strengthening the legislation against incitement of hatred and discrimination was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry after the March 15 attacks in Christchurch.

Last year the Government unveiled its proposals and invited the public to have its say, including creating a new criminal offence with harsher penalties and protections for more minority groups.

The proposals faced tough scrutiny, particularly from Opposition MPs who were concerned about the implications for free speech, and Justice Minister Kris Faafoi appeared to struggle at times to properly explain how they would be implemented. Read more

Hate speech laws: Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon calls out Government over delays three years after March 15 attacks

Race Commissioner keen on tougher hate speech law

Juliet Palmer — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 07:52:40 +0000

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

Race Commissioner keen on tougher hate speech law... Read more

Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon - CathNews New Zealand

Hate speech laws: Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon calls out Government over delays three years after March 15 attacks

Race Commissioner keen on tougher hate speech law