Greens to allow split vote on Harmful Digital Communications Bill
Gareth Hughes, Russel Norman, Julie Anne Genter and Steffan Browning will vote against the legislation.
UPDATED: Harmful Digital Communications Bill passes: its key elements
The Greens just can't decide whether the Harmful Digital Communications Bill is a defence against cyber-bullying or an attack on free speech – so the party is allowing a split vote on today's third reading of the legislation.
Gareth Hughes, Russel Norman, Julie Anne Genter and Steffan Browning will vote against the legislation. Co-leaders James Shaw and Metiria Turei and other Green MPs will back it.
The legislation has thrown up some interesting debates and alliances, with ACT's David Seymour also speaking out against it (see more on the issues behind the bill, its jacked up fines and how it will work here).
“Most of the Green Party caucus is supporting the Harmful Digital Communications Bill due to our concern for New Zealanders rights to personal security and the right to be safe from cyber-bullying,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said in a statement.
“This legislation has received strong support from organisations such as the Human Rights Commission.
“However, there have been strong submissions from media organisations who are concerned that this legislation may have a chilling effect upon freedom of speech.
“While a relatively rare occurrence there is provision for split voting in the Green Party caucus on various pieces of legislation.
“We were relaxed about allowing members of the caucus who felt very strongly about the freedom of speech issues relating to the bill to oppose this legislation at the final reading.
“However, the majority of caucus were concerned that there is currently a gap in the legislation enabling cyber-bullying and harassment to go unchallenged.
“All members of the Green Party will be keeping a close eye on this legislation to make sure that its implementation does not have a chilling effect on New Zealanders' use of the internet and freedom to speak their minds.”
Chris Keall
Tue, 30 Jun 2015
Tue, 30 Jun 2015
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Greens to allow split vote on Harmful Digital Communications Bill
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