Latest news with #JillaineHeather
Scoop
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Government Must Not Neglect Speech Rights When Addressing Terrorism Laws
The Government must not let terrorism law reform inadvertently silence legitimate speech. Incitement to violence is already illegal; we should not ban the ability for individuals to freely advertise what they think, says Jillaine Heather, Free Speech Union Council Member. 'Recent reports of proposals to make it a criminal offence to publicly express support for designated groups or causes raise serious red flags. Peaceful protest, political commentary, or particular symbols could fall within the law's scope if definitions are not tightly drawn. We should not open the door to prosecuting Kiwis for expressing controversial or unpopular views. 'If certain opinions and discourse are banned, it will simply drive the conversation and ideologies underground to crop up in more dramatic ways. Censorship is a natural impulse to opinions we detest, but the wider picture must be considered. We're actually better off when we let individuals advertise their views. 'It's also concerning that these reforms are being developed behind closed doors, without public consultation. Transparency and accountability are key if we're to trust the Government's actions. '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."
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
FSU Nominates InternetNZ Board Candidates And Proposes Constitution To Defend Online Speech
Free Speech Union has nominated two candidates to the InternetNZ Council and drafted key constitutional amendments to safeguard free speech online. 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. 'These days, speech rights mean little if they don't include online speech. Recent moves by InternetNZ threaten to undermine this core freedom by shifting the organisation away from its essential technical mission. A campaign led by the Free Speech Union has led to a huge influx of InternetNZ memberships, giving individuals voting rights. 'We have nominated Free Speech Union CEO Jonathan Ayling and Canterbury-based lawyer Douglas Brown, who also serves on our Council, for the InternetNZ board election on 31 July. Both candidates are committed to defending an open internet and resisting attempts to expand content moderation powers beyond legal requirements. 'In recent years, InternetNZ declared itself 'institutionally racist' and proposed constitutional changes that could pave the way for greater censorship. We have instead drafted constitutional amendments that keep InternetNZ focused on its vital role managing New Zealand's internet infrastructure – not deciding what speech is acceptable. 'We aren't standing to take over or impose our worldview on InternetNZ – it's the exact opposite. We're working to ensure intellectual diversity and to protect the rights of all Kiwis to participate online, regardless of how popular or controversial their views may be.' Note: InternetNZ's AGM will be held on 31st July. For InternetNZ members, voting starts on 14th July. See nominations here:
