Controversial event at Te Papa to go ahead

Thursday, 16 May 2024, 7:26 pm
Article: RNZ

Te Papa has decided a controversial event at its Tākina conference centre in Wellington can safely go ahead.

The event on Saturday has been organised by Inflection Point NZ to stop what it calls "gender indoctrination and medicalisation" of children.

Speakers at the event include Brian Tamaki, former National Party MP Simon O'Connor, as well as others from overseas.

In a statement on Thursday, Te Papa chief executive Courtney Johnston and Māori co-leader Dr Arapata Hakiwai said they would actively monitor the situation.

"As a museum for all New Zealanders, Te Papa supports the rights of Trans people, Takatāpui and all members of our Rainbow communities," the co-leaders said.

"Te Papa will be flying a Trans-inclusive rainbow flag on our flagpole on Saturday."

The Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition and Queer Endurance in Defiance had previously signalled they would be holding a trans solidarity event outside the venue in response to the conference.

In a statement, the protesters said they had not called for the event to be cancelled and would hold their event even if it did not go ahead.

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