David Farrar: Blocking a procession is not free speech

The Free Speech Union released:

The confrontation between Destiny Church supporters and a lawful Sikh Nagar Kirtan parade in South Auckland raises questions about where legitimate protest ends and intimidation begins, says Jillaine Heather, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.

“Peaceful protest and counter-protest are crucial elements in a functioning democracy,” said Heather. “New Zealand’s strength is that we protect everyone’s right to express their views, even when those views make others uncomfortable. That includes Brian Tamaki’s right to disagree with immigration policy or criticise other religions.

“But physically interfering with parades, speeches, or communities exercising their rights to freedom of expression and association crosses a line. When 50 people form a barrier to stop a Nagar Kirtan procession, that’s not counter-protest – it’s obstruction that limits others’ legal expression.

“The test is simple: can both groups exercise their rights at the same time? A Sikh community walking in lawful parade doesn’t prevent Destiny Church from stating its views. But physically blocking that parade does prevent Sikhs from exercising theirs.

I think this is right. Destiny Church has every right to protest a Sikh procession as it passes by. But they do not have the right to block it.

David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders