Petition Launched By Free Speech Union Calling On Parliament To Remove Mallard As Speaker | Scoop News – Scoop

Friday, 18 February 2022, 3:18 pmOpinion: Free Speech Union

The Free Speech Union has launched a petition calling onParliament to remove Trevor Mallard as Speaker of the Housefollowing his unacceptable interferences with press freedomduring the Convoy 2022 protest. (Link to the petition: http://www.mallardmustgo.nz)

TrevorMallards conduct during the protest has degraded theoffice he occupies. His instruction to journalists not toengage with protestors shows a disdain for fundamentaldemocratic principles, says Free Speech Unionspokesperson, Jonathan Ayling.

The Press Galleryliterally exists to report on parliamentary news and events.Dictating to them how they may report on a story is anunacceptable restriction on press freedom which has acritical role in our democracy, now more than ever. Freedomof the press is founded on free speech, and it protects ourbasic liberties by giving us access to credibleinformation.

"It was especially alarming to hearthe Speaker made the Press Gallery Chair relay to BarrySoper that there would be consequences if he continuedto ignore his instruction - that is to say, if he continuedto do his job as a member of the free and independentmedia.

"Similar comments by a Minister at anothertime would rightly result in the Prime Minister demandingtheir resignation. The Speakers disdain for democracy ispalpable. Only his removal can restore dignity to hisoffice.

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Petition Launched By Free Speech Union Calling On Parliament To Remove Mallard As Speaker | Scoop News - Scoop