If not showing view here – Letter to Immigration

29 March 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Speech Union Welcomes National's Call For Review Of Police Inaction At Protest

The National Party has called for a review of why police failed to defend free speech at Albert Park, joining their voice with the over 20,000 Kiwis calling for the Minister of Police and Police Commissioner to address police inaction. We welcome their support for this issue, and reiterate the need for accountability for this violence, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.

"In less than 72 hours, over 20,000 Kiwis have joined their voices together in a public letter denouncing police inaction, which enabled the violent scenes witnessed at the 'Let Women Speak' event.

"Free speech guarantees the right to both express perspectives and views, and also to hear others' perspectives and views. The Police have failed in their duty to protect these foundational rights.

"Kiwis expect the police to ensure that they can exercise their rights without being intimidated or attacked. If you allow the Thug's Veto to take free speech off the table, contested opinions and beliefs don’t simply go away. However, the ability to express them peacefully is undone.

"This leaves only far more extreme forms of expression on the table. We are concerned for the tenor of public debate, and the potential for this to produce violence. Free speech is an antidote for this, but it must be protected by the police.

24 March 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

High Court Decision The Only Right Result For Nation That Values Free Speech

The Free Speech Union welcomes the decision of the High Court to reject the application to overrule the decision of the Minister of Immigration to allow Kellie-Jay entry into New Zealand. This was the only right result for a nation that values tolerance, the ability to debate, and free speech, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.

‘The Free Speech Union joined as an intervener in this application as there was a clear interest in the speech rights of Kellie-Jay and those who wished to have her in New Zealand. Had we not joined we firmly believe that the free speech rights of Kellie-Jay would not have been properly heard out.

‘The applicants in their submissions argued that Kelly-Jay was a threat to public order, but all they could point to were expressions of her opinions. Clearly there was no actual basis for the Minister of Immigration to deny her entry into New Zealand and his decision was correctly upheld.

‘With Kelly-Jay now able to enter New Zealand, she retains the right to have her say, as do those who wish to hear her speak. Those who oppose her also now retain the chance to combat her ideas not with censorship but with counter-protest, as should be expected in a tolerant, democratic, society.

‘We expect this will not be the last we hear of this application, nor Kellie-Jay’s tour in the context of her speech rights, but nonetheless this is an important win in upholding free speech in New Zealand. If necessary, the Free Speech Union stands ready to continue the fight for New Zealanders' speech rights regardless of the subject matter.’

24 March 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Speech Union Granted Intervening Status In Posie Parker Judicial Review

The Free Speech Union will be an intervener this morning as the High Court considers whether Immigration New Zealand's decision to allow Posie Parker (Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull) entry into New Zealand was legal, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.

"We know that some powers that be would be pleased to see this decision reversed. We must ensure that the strongest arguments are made in favour of free speech.

"Crown Law has indicated that they will argue that there is no evidence that Posie Parker poses a harm to New Zealand. While this is a legitimate defence of INZ's decision, it is crucial there is also a principled defence of free speech.

"If the High Court decides to overrule this decision, it could set a deeply-troubling precedent for others attempting to enter New Zealand who espouse controversial views.

"Censors seeking to review Posie Parker's entry into New Zealand only give her more prominence and legitimacy. Protest peacefully, yes, but don't shut her down. This morning, we will fight to protect Kiwis' free speech (including the right to hear others' speech)."