The Free Speech Union affirms Te Pāti Māori MPs’ right to protest and express dissent, including their decision to burn a copy of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) (Customary Marine Title) Amendment Bill on Parliament’s forecourt. Symbolic acts of protest, even those that make others uncomfortable, are a cornerstone of democracy and protected under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, says Jillaine Heather, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.

“Whether you agree with their politics or not, the right to protest, including through expressive and provocative acts, must be defended consistently. A democracy worth its name allows elected representatives and citizens alike to challenge the Government’s direction in robust ways.

“At the same time, the Union acknowledges that the Speaker of the House, the Rt Hon Gerry Brownlee, has a duty under the Parliamentary Service Act 2000 to maintain safety and order within the parliamentary precinct.

“Protecting free expression doesn’t mean abandoning rules altogether. The Speaker has a legitimate role to ensure protests are conducted safely. The issue here is not whether the act offends, but whether it endangers or disrupts Parliament’s functioning, for example by creating a fire risk.

“The Free Speech Union cautions against any punitive or political overreaction. Freedom of expression applies to everyone, Government, Opposition, and crossbench alike. Today it’s Te Pāti Māori’s protest; tomorrow it could be someone else’s. Our democracy is healthiest when we defend the rights of those we disagree with.”

© Scoop Media