Thread by @SpeakUp4WomenNZ

We’ve just filed High Court proceedings against @aucklandcouncil and @PNCityCouncil, following the cancellation of room bookings for our public events that were to go ahead later this week. Nicolette Levy QC will be acting on our behalf, with the support of @NZFreeSpeech. #NZpol

The events were to discuss controversial sex self-identification clauses within the Births, Deaths, Marriages, Relationships, Registration Bill which is currently before Parliament. speakupforwomen.nz/lets-talk-abou… #BDMRR #SexMatters

In Auckland, we were banned from the Pioneer Women’s Hall in the CBD, because the Council thought the views likely to be expressed may cause harm to staff and other users of the facility – even if they are not physically present at the venue or event.

We are particularly hurt by the reasoning given by @aucklandcouncil. In effect they are saying that our views would ‘contaminate’ the venue. But feminism has a strong history of challenging comfortable views, or even official orthodoxy.

We are grateful to @NZFreeSpeech, who believe the law is on our side. The Union takes no view on gender theory or gender critical issues, but are supporting this legal action because it is an issue of freedom of speech and association.

It's clear public servants are ignoring their legal duties to uphold freedom of speech and avoid political discrimination. The irony of @aucklandcouncil blocking feminists from speaking at a feminist venue shows how little they appear to regard the rights of citizens.

The decision-making processes of council representatives should not be influenced by their own politics nor by a few noisy activists. It is clear local council are exploiting the difficulty and expense of enforcing the law, despite what the Court of Appeal has said.

As a grassroots group of volunteers, our funding comes solely from small donations. With the help of @NZFreeSpeech, we’re crowdfunding to cover our legal costs. We hope to find support from anyone who values freedom of speech as we do.

Anyone who wishes to support this effort to stand for free speech are encouraged to donate to the litigation fund at fsu.nz/speak_up or to 06-0323-0706649-01.