law
30 Jun 2021

Law school dean Ursula Cheer on proposed hate speech law

From Morning Report, 8:14 am on 30 June 2021

The Government is under pressure to explain exactly what the proposed new hate laws would mean for criminal offending.

A new, clearer offence in the Crimes Act may be created with penalties that could range from three months' to three years' jail and fines up to $50,000 dollars.

The plan's been condemned by the Opposition as 'Orwellian' and a huge win for 'cancel culture'. It wants to know at what point insulting or offensive views could land someone in court.

National Party MP Simon Bridges put a scenario to the Justice Minister Kris Faafoi while debating in Parliament.

Justice Minister Kris Faafoi said every case is different, but it would be a very high bar.

Canterbury University Dean of Law Ursula Cheer spoke to Corin Dann.