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

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