It is likely that the Harmful Digital Communications Bill will receive its final reading today (for background see Bryce Edwards today).
The Greens are allowing a split vote:
…The Harmful Digital Communications Bill seeks to protect those being “harmed” by material on the internet and act as a remedy for those being cyber-bullied.
“Most of the Green Party caucus is supporting the harmful Digital Communications Bill caucus due to our concern for New Zealanders’ rights to personal security and the right to be safe from cyber-bullying,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said today.
“This legislation has received strong support from organisations such as the Human Rights Commission.
“However, there have been strong submissions from media organisations who are concerned that this legislation may have a chilling effect upon freedom of speech.
“Four Green Party MPs will be opposing the final reading of this legislation. Gareth Hughes, Russel Norman, Julie Anne Genter and Steffan Browning have concerns about the possibility this legislation impact on New Zealanders and their right to freedom of speech.
“While a relatively rare occurrence there is provision for split voting in the Green Party caucus on various pieces of legislation….
Update:
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