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Free Speech Union - Latest News [Page 4]
Thousands Agree ‘Hate Crime’ Laws Are Simply Unworkable: Law Commission Releases Consultation Submissions
Monday, 1 September 2025, 1:43 pm | Free Speech Union
‘Hate crime’ laws will criminalise thoughts, but it’s illegal actions that should be criminalised. We continue to urge the Minister of Justice to drop any consideration of these unworkable laws. More >>
Settlement Agreement Breached: New Plymouth Boys’ High School Reneges On Apology To Student It Excluded From Competition
Friday, 29 August 2025, 3:27 pm | Free Speech Union
The Free Speech Union believes the school has breached the settlement agreement it entered into last week to resolve Jull’s Human Rights Commission complaint, says Jillaine Heather, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union. More >>
‘Harmful’ Comments Censored By InternetNZ, Confirms Free Speech Union’s Warnings
Wednesday, 27 August 2025, 1:37 pm | Free Speech Union
“Deleting criticism doesn’t protect members from ‘harm’ – it discredits the organisation, weakens trust, and undermines the intelligence of its members. Are InternetNZ members not trusted to think for themselves? More >>
New Plymouth Boys’ High Apologises For Excluding Student From Speech Finals, FSU To Provide Training
Monday, 25 August 2025, 1:26 pm | Free Speech Union
“If democracy and tolerance are to have a future in New Zealand, they must start in our schools, where our future leaders are equipped to think independently and critically, and where they are applauded for having the courage to speak out." More >>
Should Labour Listen To Henare On The Gang Patch Ban? Free Speech Union Says Yes!
Friday, 22 August 2025, 11:37 am | Free Speech Union
“We’ve consistently opposed the gang patch ban, and we continue to stand by this stance. The ban has simply removed the ability for the public to easily identify gang members. It has done nothing to get to the root of the problem. More >>
Name Suppression Of Wealthy Convict Causes Havoc As Speculation Runs Wild
Friday, 22 August 2025, 7:43 am | Free Speech Union
The Free Speech Union has always opposed name suppression because it is censorship. Censorship powers are always eventually abused by the insiders and elites who like knowing things the masses don’t. More >>
From Strength To Strength: Free Speech Union Releases 2025 Annual Report
Saturday, 16 August 2025, 2:17 pm | Free Speech Union
With over 100,000 Kiwis backing us, we’ve proven the value of people power. Our 2025 Annual Report covers extensively our cases, campaigns, content, and coaching – everything that our team and donors make possible, says Stephen Franks, Chair ... More >>
Do Your Local Candidates Stand For Free Speech? Free Speech Union Report Will Find Out
Wednesday, 13 August 2025, 7:02 pm | Free Speech Union
Transparency and accountability are key for the public’s trust in local councils, and our survey is an opportunity for candidates to give their stance, enabling ratepayers to make informed votes. More >>
Record-Breaking Mass Protester Arrests In UK Should Ring Alarm Bells For Terrorism Law Reform In NZ
Tuesday, 12 August 2025, 3:49 pm | Free Speech Union
Whether or not one agrees with the designation, the idea that peaceful political expression, however unpopular, can result in arrest is deeply troubling. More >>
Christchurch Ratepayers Can Be Trusted! Backlash As Philip Arps Makes Christchurch Mayoral Bid
Friday, 8 August 2025, 5:45 pm | Free Speech Union
If you disagree with Arps’ views, and I personally do, then call them out, and vote accordingly! That is what democracy enables, says Jillaine Heather, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union. More >>
Employees Have Speech Rights: FSU Supports Ex-IRD Employee Challenge ERA’s Unjust Determination
Wednesday, 6 August 2025, 2:36 pm | Free Speech Union
“Employees don’t leave their speech rights at the door. Christine Massof was disciplined for a comment she made on an internal forum for women after IRD announced it would be providing free menstrual products in both male and female bathrooms at ... More >>
Architects Board Must Prioritise Safe Buildings Over Mandated Ideologies
Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 2:15 pm | Free Speech Union
"NZRAB should focus on physical safety and allow architects to explore and express different worldviews freely.” More >>
Jonathan Ayling Voted Onto InternetNZ Board: Work Starts To Restore Respect For Free Speech
Friday, 1 August 2025, 8:09 am | Free Speech Union
“This is fantastic news,” says Jillaine Heather, Council Member of the Free Speech Union. “It ensures that advocates for free speech will ensure this crucial freedom is part of every decision. We’re deeply grateful to the membership of this organisation ... More >>
FIANZ Calls For ‘Hate Speech’ Laws Again; Is Their Harmony Accord Commitment Real?
Thursday, 24 July 2025, 6:06 pm | Free Speech Union
Proposals to criminalise criticism of religion, even under the banner of combating ‘hate’, would grant religious beliefs legal privileges that conflict with liberal democratic values. New Zealanders must remain free to challenge and debate religious ... More >>
Government Must Not Neglect Speech Rights When Addressing Terrorism Laws
Thursday, 24 July 2025, 9:09 am | Free Speech Union
New Zealand has already rejected ‘hate speech’ laws and the Department of Internal Affairs’ proposed online content regime. Why would we open the door to this now? Banning speech is always a bad idea, no matter the good intentions. More >>
Speech Rights Upheld In Xiao V Wong Case After FSU's Victory For Portia Mao
Wednesday, 23 July 2025, 4:11 pm | Free Speech Union
“This is the second time we’ve seen the HDCA weaponised by Morgan Xiao, against journalists whose jobs are to report freely on matters of public interest. But we’re thrilled that, also for the second time, the Court has respected free speech and ... More >>
Calls By Jewish Council For Censorship Will Backfire
Monday, 14 July 2025, 2:45 pm | Free Speech Union
Calls by the New Zealand Jewish Council for our Government to implement similar recommendations such as stricter enforcement of ‘hate speech’ laws and removing funding from universities for failing to act against certain perspectives, is overreach and risks ... More >>
Almost 1/3 Of Public Servants Self-Censor On Misconduct
Thursday, 10 July 2025, 1:09 pm | Free Speech Union
The Free Speech Union looks forward to reviewing the action plans that the Commissioner has required as a result of this survey, and the steps the Chief Executives will take to address self-censorship among public servants More >>
FSU Nominates InternetNZ Board Candidates And Proposes Constitution To Defend Online Speech
Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 4:03 pm | Free Speech Union
The internet must remain a free and open space for all New Zealanders, not a platform for ideological gatekeeping, says Jillaine Heather, Council Member of the Free Speech Union. More >>
Banks Should Stay Out Of Culture Wars: FSU Welcomes Bill To Protect Against Debanking
Monday, 7 July 2025, 1:54 pm | Free Speech Union
We’ve recommended that consideration be given to the popularity of financial institutions using ESG policies, and the risks these create in denying lawful individuals and businesses access to services, often based on disagreement with their views. More >>
