16 August 2007

Commission supports repeal of seditious offences bill

Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Dr Judy McGregor told the Justice and Electoral Select Committee today that the present definition of seditious offences should be removed from New Zealand criminal law.

She said, "The Human Rights Commission believes that as presently defined seditious offences are outdated, far too broad in scope, and seriously undermine freedom of expression."

The relevant sections 81 to 85 of the Crimes Act, she said, contravene the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and could be used as a form of political censorship.

"There is no clear rationale to have criminal provisions that assault freedom of expression, which has a special status as a human right in that it protects and promotes all human rights, " she said.

ENDS

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