HATE SPEECH: SAYS WHO?

Why Rock the Vote NZ Opposes Proposed Hate Speech Legislation

The New Zealand government is considering changes to hate speech laws, aiming to expand protections beyond race and ethnicity to include religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and disability. While the intent is to foster inclusivity and protect vulnerable communities, Rock the Vote NZ firmly opposes these proposals due to concerns over free speech and the potential for subjective enforcement.

Concerns Over the Proposed Legislation

1. Subjectivity in Defining 'Hate': The term 'hate' is inherently subjective. What one individual perceives as hate speech, another might see as a legitimate expression of opinion. This ambiguity risks criminalizing individuals for expressing dissenting views, leading to a chilling effect on free speech.

2. Existing Legal Protections: New Zealand's current legal framework already addresses hate speech through the Human Rights Act 1993, which prohibits inciting racial disharmony. Additionally, the Sentencing Act 2002 allows courts to consider hate motivation as an aggravating factor during sentencing. These provisions provide mechanisms to address hate-motivated offenses without infringing on free expression.

3. Potential for Overreach: Expanding hate speech laws could lead to overreach, where individuals are penalized for expressing unpopular or controversial opinions. This not only threatens democratic discourse but also sets a precedent for further restrictions on civil liberties.

Alternative Approach Aligned with Our Values

Rock the Vote NZ advocates for solutions that uphold free speech while promoting social cohesion:

• Education and Dialogue: Implement educational programs that encourage understanding and respect among diverse communities.

• Community Engagement: open between groups to Foster dialogues different address concerns and build mutual respect.

• Strengthening Existing Laws: Ensure effective enforcement of current laws addressing hate motivated crimes without introducing new legislation that may infringe upon free speech.

Conclusion

While the goal of protecting vulnerable communities is commendable, introducing new hate speech laws poses significant risks to freedom of expression. Rock the Vote NZ believes in addressing hate and discrimination through education, dialogue, and the robust application of existing laws, rather than through legislation that could suppress legitimate discourse.