The confidence and supply agreement between Labour and United Future includes a promise by the Labour government to abandon any proposals for "hate speech" laws. During Labour's last term, MP Dianne Yates chaired a select committee enquiry into potential legislation which could restrict hate speech on the grounds of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual identity. Much criticism arose from anti-gay organisations such as the Maxim Institute and Destiny Church, who said it restricted freedom of speech and religious values. No legislation was put forward prior to this year's election, but as “moral issues” became more of a factor in the election race, the notion of such legislation being at all considered once again came into the spotlight. The agreement between Labour and United Future states that the government must not support “any legislative initiatives to place limits on freedom of expression through so called “hate speech” laws”. The agreement also states, among other things, that the government must review the Prostitution Reform Act, and expand the Families Commission to provide parenting education and relationship counselling programmes.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Friday, 21st October 2005 - 12:00pm