27 February, 2004
Council censors anti-bypass campaigners
Wellington Green MP, Sue Kedgley is appalled that the Wellington City Council is effectively suppressing political
dissent by banning the distribution of material about the "Bypass" at this weekend's Cuba Carnival.
Cuba Carnival organisers have told local lobby group, Campaign for a Better City (CBC) and the Green Party that their
contract with the City Council prohibits the distribution of any political material during this weekend's event.
"This is a basic freedom of speech issue," Ms Kedgley said. "Why one earth would the Council prohibit political material
at a carnival? Carnivals have traditionally have been places where political opinion and dissent are expressed.
"The carnival is a great occasion for Wellingtonians to get together and enjoy a unique part of their city," said Ms
Kedgley, herself a former city councillor. "It is appalling that the council is suppressing the rights of community
groups to speak out about the Bypass.
"It is bizarre that the Council is trying to restrict political expression in a public space. We are supposed to be
living in a democratic community which protects our rights to freedom of speech and expression. We are not living under
the Taleban.
"The council is effectively using its financial clout over the carnival organisers to censor any kind of dissenting
voice against the Bypass project."
ENDS