ACT Cautiously Welcomes BORA Move

ACT has cautiously welcomed a decision in principle to amend the Bill of Rights Act to provide a statutory foundation for the courts to make declarations of inconsistency.

“ACT has long championed New Zealanders’ personal rights and freedoms, especially in the area of regulatory reform.

“The Bill of Rights Act is intended to protect New Zealanders against the actions of an overbearing State.

"It is noteworthy that other jurisdictions have declarations of inconsistency with a statutory basis.

"In Canada, assisted dying was legalised because the Supreme Court ruled that the ban on assisted dying was inconsistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“Allowing the courts to scrutinise the actions of Parliament and make declarations of inconsistency will force Parliament to reconsider legislation which infringes on our fundamental freedoms.

"This, we hope, will improve compliance with the Bill of Rights Act”, says Mr Seymour.

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