MP accused of hate speech
A politician expressing her support for a marginalised community in New Zealand is being accused of hate speech.
The banning of police from marching in uniform at next year’s Auckland Pride Parade has caused an uproar, with several high profile organisations pulling their support from the event.
At a heated Pride hui discussing the ban, a secret recording captured MP Louisa Wall saying: ‘‘My whole thing is that I don’t want any f... TERFs at the Pride Parade’’. Speak Up for Women said that Wall’s use of the word ‘TERF’ at the November 18 meeting targeted them.
TERF, trans exclusionary radical feminist, is a term used to describe those who opposed the inclusion of trans people in female spaces and organisations.
‘‘The word ‘terf’ is hate speech used to belittle and threaten anyone who rejects the premises or conclusions of transgender ideology,’’ Speak up for Women spokesperson said.
‘‘It is used to dehumanise and incite violence. New Zealand deserves better.’’
Following the public release of a recording of her speech, Wall said she apologised for swearing to make her point, but she stood by what she said. ‘‘I stand by my comments that TERFS or any group that proclaims trans women are not women, and should not be able to self-identify and therefore change details on their birth certificates via statutory declaration are fundamentally discriminating against the human rights of trans women.’’
Wall’s comment was made in the middle of her speech, which said trans exclusion and marginalisation was huge and unacceptable.
‘‘I feel grateful that my identity gives me the access to services I need. Our trans wha¯ nau do not experience life as we do. We have to support them,’’ she said during the meeting.
This comment was met with a large cheer and applause from the crowd. Historically there have been issues with Corrections and police, she acknowledged. ‘‘But the police are doing an amazing job of diversifying,’’ Wall said.