Protecting religious groups from hate speech

This Bill was withdrawn from Parliament consideration and will not be progressing into law as of 8 February 2023. The MHF will engage with the Law Commission as they review the laws related to hate speech and how to protect communities, including the religious communities, in Aotearoa and continue to advocate towards protecting individuals, groups and whānau from hate speech and discrimination.

The MHF supports the intent of the Human Rights (Incitement on Ground of Religious Belief) Amendment Bill to improve protections for faith-based groups under the provisions of the Human Rights Act. We also urge the Government to progress other work to minimise and eliminate discrimination and hate speech as real progress will only be successful if social change happens alongside legislative change.