Desecration of our flag unacceptable

The Kiwi Party
Press Release
May 7, 2011
Larry Baldock leader of the Kiwi Party and Gordon Copeland President, today expressed their shock and deep concern at the decision of the Supreme Court to overturn the conviction of Valerie Morse for burning the New Zealand flag opposite the Cenotaph in Wellington during the 2007 Anzac Day dawn service.

"The Supreme Court rightly upholds freedom of speech but that freedom must always be tempered by our duty to act with honour and respect especially on Anzac Day", said Baldock and Copeland. "As it stands the decision is an insult, not only to those who have served our nation in war, but to all New Zealanders.

"The right to say what ever you like about the flag, our leaders, our country is one thing, but to desecrate the very symbol of our nation is quite another!

"Our flag represents us and is a unique way of expressing the pride and love which we feel for our country. Its desecration cannot be justified and the only thing more hurtful than its burning is the decision of the Court.

"Simply stated this is an outrage and we call on the Government to amend the law immediately. This decision must not be allowed to stand", concluded the Kiwi Party leader and the President.

Ends

© Scoop Media