PM: Strong views are Kiwis’ right

Prime Minister Bill English and Labour leader Andrew Little have poured cold water on the likelihood of a new ‘‘hate speech’’ crime, saying people should have the right to express strong views.

They were responding to a group of 27 high-profile New Zealanders, including unlikely allies such as Don Brash and Dame Tariana Turia, who have penned an open letter warning freedom of speech is under threat in the country’s universities.

The letter, organised by Auckland University of Technology’s History Professor Paul Moon, follows Human Rights Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy’s February call for a review of ‘‘hate speech’’ law and Police Commissioner Mike Bush suggesting an examination of the pros and cons of establishing a specific crime.

It also comes after a group called the European Students Association at Auckland University was closed down after threats to its members and accusations of racism. Its leaders had denied it was racist.

Yesterday the Human Rights Commission said it was not advocating a change to hate speech laws.

‘‘We are not proposing any changes to hate speech laws,’’ Human Rights Commission spokeswoman Christine Ammunson said.

‘‘We are asking police to collect ‘hate crime’ data as part of their crime statistics. For example, if Jewish graves are desecrated we want police to record that crime as more than just property damage.’’ An open letter has been widely reported in the media and the commission hoped to read it, however those who signed it have yet to forward it to us so we are unable to comment on it, Ammunson said.

‘‘There are a number of laws that are already in place that deal with speech and actions that attack people or groups on the basis of their personal characteristics. Courts and tribunals interpret these laws with reference to freedom of expression and other relevant legal principles.’’

English said he did not believe free speech was under threat. ‘‘I think in New Zealand we have a pretty tolerant discussion, occasionally there’s some pretty strong views expressed – I think it’s important that they’re able to be expressed. But I’m not sure what this particular petition’s aiming at.’’

He did not think a law change was needed. ‘‘Look, I think it’s important that strong views can sometimes be expressed and in New Zealand, we’re pretty good at dealing with the issues when they’re serious issues.’’

Little said it was difficult to draw a line between protecting and preserving free speech and expressions ‘‘calculated to cause harm or incite unhealthy responses’’.

‘‘I have a personal view. I describe myself as a bit of a free speech sort of nutter, but people are entitled not to be confronted by clearly racist propaganda.’’

Moon has said the current law is working well and inciting hatred or violence is already a crime.

Little said he would want to be sure the law was covering ‘‘incidences that we’ve seen more recently complained about’’.