The hypocrisy of the Free Speech Union attacking Grant Robertson’s free speech
Ummmmmm.
WHAT?
The University of Otago has rejected claims that Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson breached institutional neutrality requirements by criticising a controversial bill defining “woman” and “man” in law.
The Free Speech Union accused Robertson of taking an institutional position on a contested political issue after he expressed personal opposition to the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill in an email to students.
NZME
So the Free Speech Union is concerned that Grant used his free speech?
I’ve told you time and time and time again that 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.
Pretending that Grant voicing concern for the Rainbow community on Campus is not an institutional voice, it is him exercising the free speech they pretend to defend.
Thank sweet Jesus Christ there is going to be a Free Speech Debate next month that doesn’t include the Free Speech Union!
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 a debater to be confirmed
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
