INDEPENDENT NEWS

Hate Speech Laws Would Capture Tamihere

Published: Tue 5 Apr 2005 12:35 AM
05 April 2005
Hate Speech Laws Would Capture Tamihere
New Zealand First MP Craig McNair says that new hate speech legislation or extra provisions in existing law could mean that Labour MP John Tamihere would be penalised for expressing his views on homosexuality.
Mr McNair is part of a government administration select committee inquiry into hate speech to determine where the line should be drawn between legitimate expression of opinion and opinion inciting hatred or harm against others.
“John Tamihere speaks out against homosexuality in the Investigate article, saying he has a right to think ‘sex with another male is unhealthy and violating’.
“If hate speech law was extended to cover inciting hatred against people on the grounds of their religion, gender or sexual orientation, Tamihere himself could be trapped by the political correctness of this Labour-led government.
“An inquiry into hate speech laws is a waste of time. Further legislation to prohibit or restrain hate speech is totally unwarranted.
“People have a right to express their opinion, and the Government should not be allowed to legislate against this,” said Mr McNair.
ENDS

Next in New Zealand politics

Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
By: New Zealand Government
Parliamentary Network Breached By The PRC
By: New Zealand Government
GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan
By: New Zealand Government
Tax Cuts Now Even More Irresponsible
By: New Zealand Labour Party
New Zealand Provides Further Humanitarian Support To Gaza And The West Bank
By: New Zealand Government
High Court Judge Appointed
By: New Zealand Government
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media