Human beings cannot flourish unless they are free

We protect, expand, and fight for New Zealanders’ rights to freedom of speech, conscience, and intellectual inquiry. We envision a flourishing New Zealand civil society that values and protects vigorous debate, dissenting ideas, and freedom of speech as cultural cornerstones.

Human beings cannot flourish unless they are free

We protect, expand, and fight for New Zealanders’ rights to freedom of speech, conscience, and intellectual inquiry. We envision a flourishing New Zealand civil society that values and protects vigorous debate, dissenting ideas, and freedom of speech as cultural cornerstones.

CAMPAIGNS

HATE SPEECH LAWS APPEAR TO BE COMING DOWN THE PIPELINE AGAIN!

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Police Must Stop Unlawful Training

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'Misgendering' isn't a crime!

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The Free Speech Union was formed in 2021 and has grown rapidly. It came from the Free Speech Coalition which began in 2018 out of the need to challenge the Mayor of Auckland after he banned people whose views he disliked and treated Council property as his own.

Our job is to fight the expansion of government censorship, by challenging bad legislation and dangerous legal precedents. We’re the central hub of a network of Kiwis who are motivated by the dire need to protect free speech across all areas - media, academia, politics, workplaces, city councils…

About us

We’re a community committed to providing accessible, reliable, impartial advice to make a life-changing difference for people who find themselves ostracised.

News

How we can help

We advocate and defend your human right to freedom of speech, regardless of your stance.

We don’t take any sides on political, cultural, social or ethical matters. But we go into bat so that you can. If you’ve been threatened, silenced, fired, or cancelled, we’ll advocate for your rights through writing letters, petitions, spreading awareness and representing you.

Get in touch today

“Whether it’s in the workplace or the public square, you need the protection of the Free Speech Union. Only with you – and with thousands like you – can we defend free speech”

LATEST NEWS

Massive free speech victories, another successful tour, and lots of quality listening for your weekend

Nov 10, 2024 What a week! There's a lot to celebrate: Two huge wins for free speech in NZ... ✅Police withdraw charges from Paul Burns. ✅Police backed down on policing 'hate speech' in response to pressure we put on them together.  One fantastic tour... ✅Three successful events with Prof. Nigel Biggar. (One at... Read more

Free Speech Union launches professional memberships for teachers to defend free speech in the classroom

Nov 09, 2024 professional membership MEDIA RELEASE   09 November 2024FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Free Speech Union launches professional memberships for teachers to defend free speech in the classroom The Free Speech Union is proud to release its fourth profession-specific membership especially for teachers to ensure free speech is upheld in the education system, a crucial... Read more

Police back down on policing 'hate speech': a massive win for free speech

Nov 05, 2024 Hate crime MEDIA RELEASE 05 November 2024FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Police back down on policing 'hate speech': a massive win for free speech After the Free Speech Union exposed the NZ Police’s extrajudicial training of their officers to 'recognise, record, and respond' to 'hate speech', we are pleased and grateful to announce they... Read more