You don't know me, but you might remember my story.

My name is Paul Burns, and I'm not in prison... which is a way to say, I have excellent news to share with you today - thanks to the Free Speech Union.  

Earlier this year, I was arrested for simply engaging in public debate. Yes, in New Zealand. For this, there was a chance I was going to prison.

But thanks to the Free Speech Union, I'm not. 

Let me explain. 

I was standing on Lampton Quay one Sunday in March holding a sign that said, ‘$100 to the 1st person who proves that slavery is more evil than abortion’ with $100 worth of notes taped to the sign.

This was regularly how I spent my free time. I stand by my beliefs that abortion is wrong, and I see it as my mission to get people thinking about this issue. 

Anyway, on this particular day, I was approached by a group of young people prepared to engage with me.

One of them proposed an argument: 'Overpopulation is a problem, so abortion is justified.'

With that, I replied as any debater would and challenged their own logic: “If you think that the world is overpopulated, then why don’t you kill yourself?”

Well, I was handcuffed, taken to Police cells, and charged under section 1(4)(b) of the Summary Offences Act for, 'offensive language'.

Dr. Roderick Mulgan, Chairperson of the Free Speech Union, heroically represented me despite not sharing my opinions on abortion. 

Leading up to my trial, outrageously, the charge was bumped up to an aggravated form of disorderly behaviour.

We think this upgrade was simply for intimidation. And this is especially why it is an outrage:

Public disorder charges can come with jail time. If I'd been convicted, that could have been me. I could have gone to jail. 

But today was my hearing, and my charge was withdrawn!

Think what you like about abortion - but engaging in a discussion about it and holding strong views one way or another should not constitute an arrest, let alone jail time.

This could be any one of us simply standing for what we believe in. But are we all going to be bold enough to speak up when we see people being arrested for doing exactly that? 

This is why the work of the Free Speech Union is absolutely crucial. 

Every act of censorship, big or small, is telling person after person that it's safer to keep their mouths shut. 

What a tragedy for democracy and our nation.

I am immensely grateful for the work of the Free Speech Union, which I know is only made possible by your support.

I have been telling friends and family that the best way to support FSU is by becoming a member, and today I want to tell you the same message. 

I can't stress it enough. Back the Free Speech Union. Defend free speech. Defend the rights of those you disagree with because one day, it could be you who needs defending. 

Join the FSU today 💪

Paul Burns
Proud and thankful member of the Free Speech Union

PS. Along with the standard membership, the Free Speech Union also offers profession-specific memberships. So far, they have released ones for academics, lawyers, and public servants. Keep an eye out for the rest they'll release in the coming weeks.