should-a.com, the site that lets you write your own parody of the upcoming referendum question, has been issued with a takedown notice by the Electoral Enrolment Centre.
It’s a shame that the EEC hasn’t had a sense of humour about this but, more importantly, it reveals once again the weakness of our free speech protections in New Zealand.
In the US, a parody or satire that uses copyrighted material is protected as fair use, which permits things like this. In New Zealand, you’re not allowed to make fun of an organisation using its copyrighted material or imitations – like party logos. this gives organisations a great tool to stomp out grassroots critics.
Creative Freedom NZ has a more detailed report here.
– Marty G
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