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Related video: Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux spoke to Newshub s National Correspondent Patrick Gower. Credits: Image - Youtube; Video - Newshub
Auckland Council has welcomed the Court of Appeal s decision that the cancellation of an event featuring far-right Canadians Stefan Molyneux and Lauren Southern at the Bruce Mason Centre was lawful.
The controversial pair planned to speak at the venue during their 2018 trip to New Zealand but it was derailed when Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) cancelled their venue booking due to security concerns around the health and safety of the presenters, staff and patrons of the event.
The cancellation was backed at the time by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, who said Auckland Council shouldn t have to provide a venue for hate speech .
Press Release – Office of the Mayor of Auckland
Mayor Phil Goff today welcomed the decision by the Court of Appeal that Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) acted lawfully in deciding to cancel the use of the Bruce Mason Centre by two Canadian speakers, Stefan Molyneux and Lauren Southern.
“I am pleased the Court of Appeal concluded that the actions of RFA were not unlawful,” said Mayor Goff.
“I personally find the views of the two speakers despicable, but this decision was about whether RFA acted lawfully or not – the Court has found that it did.
“Following their second defeat in court, I hope those who continue to push this legal action finally get the message and stop appealing because it is costing ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary legal fees.”
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff s free speech message after onenewspage.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from onenewspage.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The appellants were originally ordered to pay $47,472 in costs including disbursements. Molyneux hosts a podcast called Freedomain Radio, which is said to spread the cause of liberty.
RYAN ANDERSON/Stuff
The Court of Appeal hearing was held in Auckland. Southern s views on immigration prompted the New Zealand Federation of Islam Associations to ask the Government to bar her entry to New Zealand in 2019. On Friday, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, who actively opposed the pair speaking at any Council venues, welcomed the Court of Appeal decision. “I am pleased the Court of Appeal concluded that the actions of RFA were not unlawful,” Goff said.
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