New Zealand seeks views on tackling hate speech

The government in New Zealand is launching a significant programme of work to strengthen social cohesion in the country and create a safer, more inclusive society.

Part of the wider response to recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch mosques, the work builds on existing initiatives by government to strengthen social cohesion.

The move will see a public consultation launched to strengthen protections against speech that incites hatred and discrimination.

Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, said: “The government wants to ensure Aotearoa is a place where everyone feels safe, valued, heard, has a strong sense of belonging, and is able to participate fully in society.

“Our diversity extends across ethnicity, culture, gender identities and expressions, religion, values and beliefs, ages, disabilities, sexual orientation, and the structure of our families. We are stronger as a nation because of this diversity but to maximise that strength, we need to create a society where our diverse communities are able to access opportunities, and express differences of opinion in a way that is safe.”