Finally a free speech debate minus the Free Speech Union!
Finally a free speech debate minus the Free Speech Union!
The Free Speech Union is nothing but a Zionist apologist front group who has weaponised free speech for the Right. They are part of the Taxpayers’ Union stable of clients!
Second annual Keith Locke Memorial Debate July 2nd – Hate Speech Laws threaten Free Speech
The Second Annual Keith Locke Memorial Debate will ask one of the most dangerous questions in modern democracy: do hate speech laws protect the vulnerable, or do they threaten free speech itself? This July 2nd event brings together voices from across Aotearoa’s political spectrum for a live public debate on speech, power, censorship and democracy.
Two teams with contrasting views on this controversial topic will debate whether hate speech laws threaten free speech.
Join us to remember Keith’s work and promote the importance of open political debate.
Keith Locke Memorial Debate event details
- Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Location: Stone Lecture theatre, The University of Auckland Law School – Building 801, Room 316, 9 Eden Crescent, Auckland 1010 and online
- Time: Drinks and canapés from 6pm, Debate from 7pm.
Your vote counts!
As with last year, voting on the moot will take place before and after the debate. The team that swings opinion the most, wins.
Voting is open to in-person and live-stream attendees.
Please note as this year’s event is catered, there is a modest ticket charge rather than a cash bar.
Tickets:
$20, $10 unwaged
Seats are limited!
Who is debating hate speech laws and free speech?
Moderator: Jane Kelsey
For the affirmative: Martyn Bradbury, joined by Verity Johnson and Thomas Beagle
For the negative: Simon Wilson, joined by Anjum Rahman and Yasmine Sehan.
For Keith, free speech was fundamental to democracy and something progressive movements have fought for over generations.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of your views or place on the political spectrum.
The live-stream link will be available 24 hours before the debate at keithlocke.org.nz
The free-speech union is remarkably quiet when people they dislike have their speech restricted. Very minimalist approach to the question of gang patches for instance. I don’t know if they comment on overseas restrictions, but just at the moment there are plenty in the US and Britain. People were fired for not mourning Charlie Kirk – although to be fair they are now getting tons of money through lawsuits. And the Brits are prosecuting people for wearing pro-Palestinian T-shirts.