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Dear John --
Why hate speech should be
condemned not criminalised
I was privileged to give a speech on the Freedom of Speech, to the
University of Western Sydney recently that was well received. At that
occasion, also, I was honoured to be made an Adjunct Professor of
Law.
In summary, my speech was based on the premise that “The
criminalisation of speech is one of the most serious limitations on
the right to freedom of expression that can be contemplated.”
It is my opinion, that speech that is designed to incite violence,
should be criminalized but this is well beyond speech that is
insulting or offensive. This latter type of expression can be
criticised because it is purposefully designed to offend or insult
but anything further is a restriction of the right to democratic
expression and participation. People like us, in Australia and New
Zealand, don’t want to be in a situation where people are scared to
express their opinions and views because of the threat that they may
be prosecuted for doing so.
In the words of Lord Justice Sedley, free speech allows for “not
only the inoffensive but the irritating, the contentious, the
eccentric, the heretical, the unwelcome and the provocative provided
it does not intend to provoke violence.”
Someone expressing an unpopular view or opinion or even hate speech
is to be tolerated as long as violence is not also called for. To be
limited in how you express yourself because you might offend someone,
is not a basis for limiting your right to freedom of expression.
NZ Asian Lawyer of the Year
Award
I have recently attended the inaugural 2024 NZ Asian Lawyer of the
Year Awards organised by NZ Asian Lawyers Inc president Mai Chen.
Asian descended lawyers make up a quarter of all lawyers with less
than seven years of experience in New Zealand, so they are a
significant group within the New Zealand Law Society and the Auckland
District Law Society.
For the inaugural awards this year, any lawyers of Asian descent
practicing in New Zealand whether in private practice, or as in-house
lawyers, academic lawyers and public servants were eligible for
nomination provided that they demonstrated that they made an
outstanding contribution to the profession/organisation they work for.
They were also assessed on the way in which they
- Provided legal services to Asian New Zealanders in a way that is
in line with New Zealand Asian Lawyers’ Inc. objectives;
- Promoted the rule of law;
- Provided a valuable contribution to initiatives that have
benefitted the Asian community in New Zealand with legal services or
issues.
The Awards were supported by the profession being Russell McVeagh,
Heritage Law and Sir Anand Satyanand who was a member of the senior
judging panel. The Auckland District Law Society also provided
support.
My message to the 31 high-calibre lawyers who put their names
forward, was to remember that the Law is the very fabric of Society
and it enables us to deal with disputes fairly and without violence. I
also advised that lawyers should rely on themselves and do what they
know is right, all the while knowing that the legal profession and
myself as Attorney-General will support them. Lawyers must stand up
for the profession which is free from corruption and prides itself on
having immense integrity.
This year I was honoured to present the awards to the winners who
were Ms Tina Liu named New Zealand Asian Lawyer of the Year Award and
Robb Bautista named the 2024 New Zealand Young Asian Lawyer of the
Year.
Their awards were due to their significant contribution to assist
people of Asian descent in New Zealand in a practical, tangible way,
a significant contribution to issues concerning access to justice and
the promotion of justice for Asian or any culturally and
linguistically diverse parties in the courts.
My congratulations to the two winners and all the candidates
considered for these awards who received certificates recording their
participation in this inaugural, New Zealand-wide event.
Safe, secure digital identity
services on the way
The Digital Identity Services Trust Framework has been finalised
and it will allow New Zealanders to complete everyday tasks securely
online and in person. It will also allow for safe future digital
identity services, such as a digital driver licence, bank ID or trade
certification.
The Trust Framework sets out how accredited digital identity
services, including privacy and security requirements, must work, with
providers meeting the specific, established rules and regulations.
This Framework will make sharing our details like name, address,
age, qualifications and important documents much more secure because
we will be using an accredited digital identity service.
The Trust Framework rules came into effect on 8 November 2024. More
information about the Trust Framework, can be found here: Trust Framework - dia.govt.nz
Papakura Events at Bruce Pulman
Park
The Sikh Games are being held on the weekend of 30th
November and 1st December 2024 at Bruce Pulman Park. Details on Facebook.com
Papakura Rotary Christmas Festival and Parade 8th December
2024 at 11am and parade at 1pm at Bruce Pulman Park, Walters Road
Takanini.
You can ask about entering a float for your club by emailing [email protected].
I am looking forward to being at Bruce Pulman Park, Walters Road
for both these events that herald the start of summer sports and
Christmas events for all of us.
Best wishes,
Judith
Hon Judith Collins KC MP for Papakura |
