Liberty Excluded, Separatism Espoused at Constitutional Conference

Press Release

Libertarianz Party

For Immediate Release

Free speech was the loser today in Parliament's Constitutional Hooey as uninvited veteran Maori activist Atareta Poananga was allowed to to call for a separatist Maori Nation and the ending of 'male dominance', while Libertarianz Leader Peter Cresswell was barred from speaking by Chair Sir Paul Reeves. "Apparently the argument that individual liberty should be put beyond the vote is too dangerous for those gathered to hear," said Cresswell, "even as calls for constituional apartheid are seemingly deemed acceptable."

Other invitees remained silent as Cresswell pointed out that at least three people, including Ms Poananga, Dr Helena Catt, and Minetta Erueti had already been granted permission to speak despite never having been included in the official list of invitees to this hooey. Cresswell had at the earliest stage sought permission to be added to the list of 100, but while 17 others had been added that permission was refused by the Steering Committee. "Libertarianz are the only political organisation to actually put a draft constitution up for debate," says Cresswell. "We deserved to be heard, we applied to be heard, we came here to be heard. Permission was refused."

"It seems clear'" said Cresswell, "that, whatever is to come of this conference, some people will continue to be more equal than others! Liberty is unlikely to be the winner of this debate."

For further information please contact:

Peter Cresswell Leader, Libertarianz Party

(021) 707 490

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