MEDIA RELEASE

05 February 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thousands sign petition calling on the Prime Minister to refocus Christchurch Call on original intent 

Thousands have signed a petition calling on Christopher Luxon to keep the Christchurch Call focused on its original intent of eliminating terrorist and violent extremist content, not censorship of unpopular opinions, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union. 

“Documents released by the DPMC show The Christchurch Call has expanded its focus from violent extremism, and is now specifically looking at gender-based 'hatred' (including anti-LGBTQIA+ speech) as one of its core functions. This could mean the Christchurch Call seeks to oppose and suppress the free expression of opinions - such as the view that individuals can change their sex.

“It is curious to us that there is a policy advisor with the Christchurch Call responsible for ‘gender issues’. However, there are no advisors specifically delegated for either extremist violence or terrorism. Free speech is not violence; disagreeing is not terrorism. 

“In less than 72 hours, thousands of Kiwis have echoed our concerns.

“This expanded focus of The Call is inconsistent with New Zealanders’ rights to freedom of expression online. The Government must direct the Christchurch Call to refocus on its core mission of eliminating violent and extremist content.” 

Sign our petition at https://www.fsu.nz/stop_christchurch_call_from_silencing_kiwis

ENDS