The Liberal Agenda – 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
Good stuff. Those advocating for hate speech laws have to answer a simple question- would they, in anything with any resemblance to our current system, be used to prosecute those like Deborah Hart and Juliet Moses who use their speech to cheerlead the Gaza Holocaust? As the answer is obviously ‘no’, what’s the point?