Ethnic community groups call on government to toughen hate speech laws

New Zealand's ethnic communities are calling for unity, social harmony and respect for all religious beliefs after several faith flags were desecrated at Saturday's Brian Tamaki-led Destiny Church protest march in central Auckland.

Hundreds marched down Queen Street in a "stand for Christian values, Kiwi identity and the future of this nation", according to organisers of the rally.

Addressing the protesters, church leader Brian Tamaki claimed to be building a "Commonwealth crusade" to "reclaim Christian nations".

He then prompted his followers to tear up and burn flags representing Islam, the Palestinian Territories, Khalistan, Sikhism, Buddhism, Hinduism, United Nations, World Health Organisation, World Economic Forum, atheism, and the rainbow and transgender communities.

Posters depicting New Zealand's legacy media and former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's recently released memoir weren't spared either.

Ethnic community leaders have called for unity in response to the rally.

The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, Combined Sikh Association of New Zealand and New Zealand Buddhist Council called on the government to implement a sustained strategy for social cohesion in a joint statement Monday.

"[We urge] the government to take note after the despicable event on Saturday in Auckland, that there are elements in our society who exploit the lack of effective legislation to not only provoke unrest, disharmony and violence but also seek notoriety for their cause through racist stunts," the statement said.

"Whilst no one will argue against the need for robust freedom of expression, with such freedom comes responsibilities," it said.

"Provoking marginalized communities, expressing extreme hatred and creating conditions of sheer threat are not by any means valid metrics of freedom of expression."

Daljit Singh, president of the Supreme Sikh Society, said the community was dismayed by actions that were witnessed in central Auckland on Saturday.

"Brian Tamaki has no relevance in modern New Zealand," Singh said. "No religion teaches hate. In fact, all, including Christianity, spread the message of peace."

Meanwhile, Pakistani community associations in New Zealand in another joint statement called Saturday's protest "dangerous" and "inflammatory".

"It threatens the core principles of safety, dignity and freedom of our diverse communities across Aotearoa New Zealand," the statement by Pakistani New Zealanders said.

"Let us be clear: This is not an exercise of free speech. This is targeted hate instead, and when hate goes unchecked, it grows.

"Our women and children are especially at risk. We must act now to ensure they grow up in a New Zealand with the feeling of home that values diversity, safety and mutual respect."

"We also wish to state that these [actions] ... do not reflect the values or sentiments of Māori culture or tangata whenua. We acknowledge and deeply respect the Māori people, many of whom have consistently stood in solidarity with oppressed communities around the world."

The Hindu Foundation of New Zealand echoed the sentiments.

"We strongly condemn the disgraceful and deeply hurtful actions of Brian Tamaki and members of his Destiny Church during their demonstration in Auckland on Saturday, where they openly displayed hate against other religious communities by desecrating sacred symbols.

"New Zealand is a nation built on unity in diversity. Such actions have no place here. We call upon the media and the wider public to stand together against any form of hate speech, religious discrimination or disrespect towards any community's sacred beliefs."

Fiji Girmit Foundation president Krish Naidu expressed disappointment the march "targeted various religious communities and ethnic groups".

"The reality is that multiculturalism and religious freedom are not threats, they are cornerstones of a modern, compassionate and progressive society," Naidu said. "We should be proud of our peaceful coexistence that defines us as Kiwis."

Veer Khar, president of the New Zealand Indian Central Association, called for immediate action against those involved in desecrating the faith flags.

"There is a growing concern in the wider communities," Khar said. "Continued inaction by the government is only emboldening these anti-social elements.

"[We] will reach out to all to show solidarity and help instil confidence in our modern-day pluralistic living."

The Migrant Workers Association and Migrants Rights Network in a joint statement said the words and actions of protesters on Saturday "encourage mass disharmony, religious division, pit workers against each other and fuel hatred".

"Now is the time for the workers and the civil society of Aotearoa New Zealand to unite," the statement said.

Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand advocacy chairperson Abdur Razzaq told Morning Report the event over the weekend went "too far".

"The threatening behaviour and the statements he made about terrorists and so forth, these are most becoming of a person who is of faith as he claims to be."

Razzaq said the protest was not peaceful and that New Zealand needed to have tolerance of others.

He said there needed to be some legislative framework for faith communities to have protection.

Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell has said he was "appalled" by the Destiny Church event.

Mitchell told Morning Report that the law commission had work underway with regard to hate crimes.

He said that he worked very closely with ethnic community leaders to make sure communities were looked after in New Zealand.

He said sometimes protests were highly offensive but free speech could also be used to condemn them too.

Brian Tamaki was approached for comment.

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