Mayor’s ban attack on free speech

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has taken it upon himself to be the arbiter and sole judge of what is free speech and what in his opinion may divide rather than unite, and has banned the Canadian speakers Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux from Auckland Council venues.

I had a look at some of the speeches given by this pair on YouTube. Sure, they express their views on Western civilisation, the importance of protecting the family, their concerns on abortion and views and practices by elements of the Muslim community in very strong terms. However, these views would have support among many New Zealanders, if not most.

New Zealand has a strong history of robust and vigorous debate, not to mention individual liberty and freedom. Indeed our parents and grandparents fought and died to protect such freedoms. I am disappointed Goff has capitulated to minority elements of the community who wish to deny the rest of us the right to listen what these two speakers have to say. The mayor claims he is protecting diversity and fostering tolerance by taking this step. In reality he is doing just the opposite. John Galvin, Hamilton.