Help the community and expand your practice! Find out how.
Already registered? Login here.
Question Details: Is it legal to protest against legalising same-sex marriage in public using banners, signs etc? If so, is there a process that needs to be followed? Are there any restrictions on such protest?
Filed under Human Rights and Discrimination | 1882 View(s)
Community Law Wellington & Hutt Valley
Yes, you have a right to protest publicly against legalising same-sex marriage or for any other lawful purpose, and banners and signs can be used.
Depending on how and where you intend to protest publicly, you may need to follow certain processes, including applying for a permit from your local council. Your right to protest should be exercised reasonably.
Enquire with your local council about particular requirements. For example, Wellington City Council offers advice here: www.wellington.govt.nz.
As another example, protesting at Parliament requires the permission of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Details are available here: www.parliament.nz.
Generally, protests are required to be for no more than a reasonable period of time, should not unreasonably restrict the rights of other people or become too disorderly (e.g. no rioting), and should be sanitary (e.g. no littering).
Answered 13 Sep 2012. The IMPORTANT NOTICE below is part of this answer.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The answer provided above is intended for general informational purposes only and cannot be
considered a substitute for face-to-face legal advice. It should not be relied upon as the sole
basis for taking action in relation to a legal issue. Laws change frequently, and small
variations in the facts, or a fact not provided in the question, can often change a legal
outcome or a lawyer’s conclusion. No liability whatsoever is accepted by the authors or
publishers of the answer, for loss, damage or inconvenience arising in any way from the use of
this site. While each answer has been published by a lawyer with a practising certificate, that
person may not necessarily have experience in the particular area of law involved.
For more information about this website, please review our
Terms of Use.