Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki says criminal charges laid against him are an attack on free speech, while police allege comments he made earlier this year crossed the legal line into inciting racial hostility.
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki is set to appear in the Manukau District Court next week after being served a summons on three charges of allegedly inciting racial disharmony. The charges have sparked renewed debate over where the boundary lies between free speech and unlawful hostility toward ethnic groups.
Police confirmed the charges are being brought under the Human Rights Act and required approval from the Solicitor-General before prosecution could proceed. Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Nelson said police could not comment further as the matter is now before the courts.
The charges reportedly relate to comments Tamaki made in June while discussing claims of Christian persecution in India and criticising Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In those remarks, Tamaki called for a “tit-for-tat” response and made comments about Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims that later drew complaints and prompted a police investigation.
Tamaki has strongly denied wrongdoing, describing the allegations as politically motivated and questioning the timing of the prosecution, with the General Election only weeks away. He maintains his comments were directed at religious beliefs, religious practices and political leaders rather than people because of their race or ethnicity.
“I have never advocated violence against anyone,” Tamaki said in a statement published on social media. He argues the case raises serious questions about freedom of speech and freedom of religion in New Zealand.
The case has already attracted comment from a range of free speech advocates. Family First national director Bob McCoskrie questioned whether other activist groups would face similar scrutiny under the law, raising concerns about consistency in enforcement.
For Christians, the legal proceedings are likely to be watched closely, not only because of Tamaki’s high public profile, but because the outcome could help define how New Zealand balances robust public debate, religious expression and protections against racial hostility.
Tamaki is scheduled to appear in court on October 19. The allegations remain before the court and have yet to be tested.
