The Government has announced plans to introduce a new offence for engaging in disruptive demonstrations outside private homes.
Justice Minister, Paul Goldsmith said the proposed new law will be tightly targeted.
“It will only apply to demonstrations directed at a person in their home. It will prohibit unreasonable disruptions for residents, and will consider factors like the time of day, duration, the actions of demonstrators, noise levels and distance to the premises,” said the Minister.
“The public’s ability to demonstrate is a cornerstone of our free and democratic society. It is a key way for citizens to express themselves and engage in political activity.
“However, in recent times, we have seen increased reports of demonstrations targeting private residences, especially of public persons, such as MPs, judges, and other public officials.
“Just as we value the right to protest, privacy is also a key value of our society. Unreasonable intrusions into people’s privacy are simply unacceptable.”
Mr Goldsmith said the ability to protest is protected under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and that will not change.
“All rights are subject to reasonable limitations. This new offence is such a reasonable limitation and provides a good balance of the interests involved,” he said.
The legislation will contain a new offence for engaging in a targeted and disruptive demonstration outside residential premises.
The Bill includes a maximum penalty of three months in jail or a fine of up to $2,000.
