STEVE KILGALLON OPINION:

Newstalk ZB quite frequently calls on the services of a British woman called Katie Hopkins to opine on overseas news stories. She’s presented as an ‘outspoken commentator’. In the aftermath of the Ariana Grande bombing in Manchester, Hopkins thought it wise to send a vile tweet (since deleted) saying that “we need a final solution”. (more…)

A right-wing radio host who trolled an anti-hate crime campaigner with ” Islamophobic “ tweets and emails has been jailed for 12 weeks.

Timothy Burton, 64, branded Islam a “backwards, misogynistic, seventh-century” ideology in a series of emails to Tell Mama founder Fiyaz Mughal OBE between 4 April and 26 April 2016.

Burton also sent Mr Mughal links to far-right blogs containing “vile slurs” against Muslims including a petition called “renounce, reform, or get the hell out of my country”.

The radio presenter for the anti-immigration group Liberty GB was convicted of one count of religiously aggravated harassment in March following a week-long trial at Southwark Crown Court. (more…)

The letter (below) by Professor Paul Moon of the Auckland University of Technology was signed by 27 prominent New Zealanders to protect the freedom of speech – especially in universities. Add your support by signing the petition.

Supporting Freedom of Speech in New Zealand Universities

Freedom of speech underpins our way of life in New Zealand as a liberal democracy. It enables religious observance, individual development, societal change, science, reason and progress in all spheres of life. In particular, the free exchange of ideas is a cornerstone of academe.

Governments and particular groups will from time to time seek to restrict freedom of speech in the name of safety or special interest. However, debate or deliberation must not be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most people to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed. (more…)

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

It was the brainchild of Auckland University of Technology’s History Professor Paul Moon, and rejects ”the forceful silencing of dissenting or unpopular views” on university campuses.

It also insists debate must not be suppressed because the ideas put forth “are thought by some or even by most people to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed”.

It 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.

The letter also 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 a specific crime. (more…)

Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy wants to do something about hate speech during her final year in the role.

Following on from her controversial appointment in 2013, the former world squash champion was the subject of several written and verbal attacks.

One person threatened to knee-cap her.

‘”This is not a job for the fainthearted,” she said.

She was aware insults and threats were a part of life for many people and wanted to see more prosecutions and preventative work done. (more…)