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A parliamentary committee in New Zealand is considering whether films and publications containing "hate speech" should be banned. Censors say a gap in the law has allowed the unrestricted release of two Christian videos that contain anti-homosexual "hate speech." The videos, Gay Rights/Special Rights, Inside the Homosexual Agenda and Aids: What You Haven't Been Told, were banned in 1996 by the Film and Literature Board of Review, which unanimously decided that they went beyond opinion, were riddled with misinformation and portrayed homosexuals and people with Aids as inherently inferior. Last year, the Court of Appeal quashed the decision, ruling that the board could review and class publications as objectionable only if they depicted sex, horror, crime, cruelty or violence in ways that were injurious to the public good. The judges said the board had no power to censor or ban videos because they disapproved of their opinions. The board released the videos, but expressed concern at their effect on young people coming to terms with their sexual orientation. It said the issue highlighted what appeared to be a gap in New Zealand law. While racial discrimination was illegal, publication of "hate speech" on the grounds of sexual orientation was not. The Government administration committee is reviewing censorship legislation and will consider whether to include a "hate speech" provision in the law.. |