Latest news with #FreeSpeechUnion
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Architects Board Must Prioritise Safe Buildings Over Mandated Ideologies
Architects' registrations and livelihoods should not be on the line over differing worldviews. The Free Speech Union recommends that the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) focus on competence and physical safety, not subjective ideologies, as part of the organisation's consultation on possible registration requirements, says Stephanie Martin, spokesperson for the Free Speech Union. 'The NZRAB is proposing to assess architects on whether their work reflects a particular ideological viewpoint rather than simply whether they are professionally competent. The NZRAB invited us to be a key stakeholder in their consultation process on proposed expansions to the performance criteria required for architects' professional registration. 'We've urged NZRAB to consider matters that affect the safety of buildings and the public, leaving architects free to hold their own opinions regarding subjective topics such as the degree of integration of indigenous knowledge or Māori worldviews into the design process. 'Architects should absolutely have the right to incorporate te ao Māori, and to upskill in this area if they have a particular interest or a related project. Likewise, if they have a project that relates to a different culture, religion, or tradition, it would be best practice to understand more about the context in which they're working. But mandated opinions on such topics? That would be a dangerous overreach. 'When registration hinges not on technical skills but on social, cultural or ideological attitudes, compulsory regulation becomes a tool for policing speech, mandating approaches, and limiting discussion, whether intentionally or not. That is inappropriate in a liberal democracy and inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. Regulatory bodies have a responsibility to protect the public. This does not include 'protection' from ideas they might disagree with. 'Ideological requirements should not determine whether an individual can become an architect, nor should current architects be limited in the cultural opinions or approaches they are allowed to hold or express. NZRAB should focus on physical safety and allow architects to explore and express different worldviews freely.'
The Sun
25-07-2025
- The Sun
Yobs to be fined £100 after council crackdown on swearing in public
YOBS swearing in public can be fined £100 after a council introduced a law to stop 'foul language'. They are also banned from 'excreting bodily fluid', boozing in public and taking legal highs. 1 Thanet council in Kent said the rules apply to all public spaces in Margate, Ramsgate, Birchington-on-Sea and Broadstairs. A bid to bring in the restrictions last summer was halted after the Free Speech Union threatened to take legal action. On Thursday councillors approved the public space protection order. A council spokesman said: 'There was strong support, with a majority of respondents indicating agreement.' Cllr Heather Keen said: 'We've listened and these measures are designed to reassure residents and set clear expectations around acceptable public behaviour in Thanet. "It crucially provides us with the tools to intervene earlier which we hope will successfully prevent situations from escalating. "The overwhelming support from local people, businesses and the police during the consultation process is evidence that these measures are welcomed. "Every year our residents tell us feeling safe is a top priority. "I'm proud to say that we've listened and hope this serves as a reminder that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in Thanet."
Scoop
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
FIANZ Calls For ‘Hate Speech' Laws Again; Is Their Harmony Accord Commitment Real?
The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) once again is calling for 'hate speech' laws against their critics in the name of social cohesion. This undermines the spirit of the Harmony Accord, which is a promising document to foster mutual understanding through dialogue, says Stephen Franks, Chairperson of the Free Speech Union. 'The Accord expressly commits the parties to respecting freedom of speech. If FIANZ has immediately reneged, their commitment is suspect. Defining and seeking punishment for 'Islamophobia' has been the Trojan horse for resuscitating blasphemy laws in other free societies. Leading politicians in the UK are currently fighting against such an attempt. 'Censorship is poison to social cohesion. People charged or jailed for expressing fears about a religion will rationally resent the groups asking the Police to silence their fears. We're seeing the results right now in the UK, in the disorder fueled by long suppression of the truth about the rape grooming gangs, and the gags on questioning illegal immigration. 'Proposals to criminalise criticism of religion, even under the banner of combating 'hate', would grant religious beliefs legal privileges that conflict with liberal democratic values. New Zealanders must remain free to challenge and debate religious doctrines without the threat of prosecution. 'Censorship is counterproductive. It does nothing to change views. It often draws more attention to the very opinions it's trying to ban. Counter-speech is more constructive. It allows bad ideas to be challenged, not buried. The Government has already rightly rejected 'hate speech' laws after tens of thousands of Kiwis pushed back. 'We should not risk turning an Accord that shows tolerance and mutual respect into scheming to undermine core democratic freedoms. A forced silence is not social cohesion.'
Scoop
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Speech Rights Upheld In Xiao V Wong Case After FSU's Victory For Portia Mao
Following journalist Portia Mao's recent victory after being silenced under the Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA) by a CCP lackey, journalist Justin Wong has also been vindicated in his own case, says Nick Hanne, spokesperson for the Free Speech Union. 'This is the second time we've seen the HDCA weaponised by Morgan Xiao, against journalists whose jobs are to report freely on matters of public interest. But we're thrilled that, also for the second time, the Court has respected free speech and dismissed the case. The Free Speech Union's victory for Portia Mao set an important precedent for Wong, whose case was supported by Stuff through legal representation. 'Attempts to gag Stuff journalist Justin Wong under the HDCA were based on two incidents. Firstly, he reposted to his LinkedIn page a story about Portia Mao. Xiao asserted that by reposting, Wong encouraged people to take action against him. Secondly, Wong emailed Xiao, asking him a number of questions for an article he planned to publish in the Post. Apparently, this caused Xiao 'harm'. 'As Judge Davenport said, ' It would be a sad state of affairs if simply sending an email requesting answers to questions which Mr Xiao could choose not to respond to amounted to a harmful digital communication without more.' 'Mao was silenced after working to expose foreign interference in New Zealand. We operated as a critical conduit for her, funding barrister Callum Fredric, and drawing attention to the story. Wong's win today proves that Mao's victory was good news for all Kiwis. 'If journalists can be silenced for asking questions, our democracy is in trouble. The HDCA needs major work, which is exactly why our team is conducting a comprehensive review for the Minister of Justice. Our own laws should not give individuals the power to silence others on subjective claims of 'harm'.'
Metro
17-07-2025
- Metro
Belgian ticket inspector who said 'bonjour' to passengers is given a warning
A ticket inspector who greeted customers in two different languages has been given a warning after a passenger complained. The Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in Belgium has strict language laws, requiring train conductors to only use Dutch in the area, French in the French-speaking regions and both languages in Brussels. Ilyass Alba greeted customers with both 'goeiedag' and 'bonjour', prompting a customer to complain last year. His employer has warned him that he should not have used French in the region unless he had been approached by a passenger speaking French. On Facebook. Alba wrote: 'What a country,' adding that 'the commission would rule in his favour when travellers from all over the world visit Belgium is a sign of narrow-mindedness on the part of a small Flemish elite.' His employer has defended him, saying Alba just wanted to 'warmly greet all passengers, something to which we attach great importance.' Alba has capitalised on his mistake at work, and is selling mugs which read both 'Goeiedag' and 'Bonjour'. 'Whatever will be, long live Belgium,' he added. Dimitri Temmerman, from the train company, previously said: 'We always want to respect the language legislation, but this is about a conductor who wants to welcome all the passengers on his train warmly. 'We are certainly not going to condemn that, but rather applaud it. We support train conductors like this, who are good ambassadors for the NMBS.' Language laws in Belgium are quite complicated for those who might not be aware of them. Regionally, Flanders uses Dutch as the official language. In Wallonia, French is the official language, but there's a large German community as well. In Brussels, both Dutch and French are official languages. Enforcing the language laws, which apply to places like trains and government buildings, can be difficult. Some UK towns could soon have language laws enforced as well. Thanet District Council is dusting off its plans to fine anyone caught swearing in public – meaning 'bollocks!' on the beach could soon cost you £100. The so-called Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) would see officers patrolling the streets of Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Birchington., ready to give fines to foul-mouthed folk disturbing the peace. It's essentially a giant communal swear jar. More Trending But before you yell 'poppycock!' and 'drat!', this isn't Thanet's first attempt. The council tried the same thing last year, but they were blocked when the Free Speech Union declared 'ruddy nonsense' and threatened legal action. Chief Inspector Ian Swallow wrote a letter of support saying the order would help reduce crime and disorder in the district, giving officers more power to deal with antisocial behaviour. After all, it's not just cursing that is under fire – the order also targets dirty blighters peeing, crapping and spitting in the streets. Offenders will have 28 days to pay up, but the fine drops to £60 if you pay up within two weeks. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Man who spent £3,000 on Tomorrowland ticket accuses festival of 'profit over safety' MORE: Boy, 6, 'kills newborn baby' after being left alone on maternity ward MORE: Fire destroys Tomorrowland main stage but organisers say 'show will go on'
