Who really benefits if political opinion is included in New Zealand's proposed hate speech legislation?
The Human Rights Commission is urging caution over plans to broaden protections against hate speech, saying politicians could be the beneficiaries if political opinion is included - which would not be good for New Zealand's democracy.
In it's formal submission on the Government's hate speech law plans, the commission says including political opinion within the incitement provisions may have a "chilling" effect on political debate, activism and public discourse.
Chief Commissioner Paul Hunt spoke to Susie Ferguson.
