New Zealand Free Speech Union

The New Zealand Free Speech Union is an organisation that advocates for freedom of speech. It was formed as the Free Speech Coalition in 2018 and relaunched as the Free Speech Union in 2021.[1][2] Its stated goal is to defend and promote the free exchange of information and to educate people of the importance of free speech in New Zealand.[3] It is the first sister group of the Free Speech Union of the UK and uses the name under licence.[4] It is a registered trade union based in Wellington, New Zealand.[4]

Not to be confused with Free Speech Coalition.
New Zealand Free Speech Union logo

The Coalition formed in 2018 in response to the canceling of an event to be held by alt-right speakers Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux at an Auckland Council-owned venue.[5][4][6] The Coalition twice unsuccessfully legally challenged the cancellation.[7]

References
  1. "New Trade Union Launched To Promote Free Speech" (Press release). Free Speech Union. Scoop. 5 May 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
  2. "Free Speech Coalition appeals after court rejects review of decision to ban controversial Canadian speakers". Stuff. 2019-10-07. Retrieved 2021-11-23.
  3. "Frequently Asked Questions". Free Speech Union (New Zealand). Retrieved 29 November 2021.
  4. "The Free Speech Union". The Daily Blog. 9 May 2021. Retrieved 2021-11-23.
  5. "Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux: 'Thugs' veto' canned visit, court told". Stuff. 2020-08-04. Retrieved 2021-11-23.
  6. "Right-wing Canadian speakers' visit canned, legal action on back burner". Stuff. 2018-07-25. Retrieved 2021-11-23.
  7. "'Stop appealing': Auckland Mayor Phil Goff sends message to free speech activists after latest court decision". NZ Herald. Retrieved 2021-11-23.


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