With the proposed changes to our Freedom of Speech laws, I, along with Simon Bridges, (The Weekend Sun, July 16, page 22) am becoming concerned that our right to Freedom of Speech as it is written now will be severely limited. The 1990 Bill of Rights Act, section 14 reads in part. Quote:

'Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and opinions of any kind and in any form.” Unquote. Under existing laws those rights are limited by the 1993 Human Rights Act: Section 61 makes it an offense to express 'threatening, abusive or insulting opinions to any persons including those on the grounds of colour, race, ethnic or national origins”.

The Human Rights Act stressed: 'Our right to make controversial or offensive remarks is NOT undermined by these laws, they only restrict those who incite serious ethnic tension or unrest.”

Quote: 'Speech that incites violence is already, quite rightly, illegal in New Zealand, but the Prime Minister is claiming these draconian law changes will fill a void in this area.” Unquote.

I have been reading through this document with the six proposals and echo Simon. Read them very carefully and submit your opinion. There is no right in the world not to be offended. That right simply does not exist. In an open society, people have strong opinions and these opinions very often clash which can lead to a healthy debate on any subject.

Helen Weston, Katikati.