Dear Ms Clarke,
The Auckland Women’s Centre wishes to express its opposition to the Terrorism (Bombings and Finance) Suppression Bill, which is shortly to go through its second reading in Parliament.
We oppose the bill because it broadens the definition of terrorism to include many activities that are not terrorist, and erodes civil liberties and the normal due process of law; including the right to a fair trial and an appeal process that is independent from Parliamentary or Executive control. Despite some small changes to the Proposed Amendments, we are still concerned that the provisions of the Bill, particularly in clause five, could be used against legitimate protests and strikes that are part of our democratic society. We are further concerned that provisions in Clause 17: regarding the “designation” of “terrorists”, requiring mandatory reporting and protecting those who do report from normal legal redress ; could encourage the persecution of minorities such as immigrants , single mothers, or lesbians and gays.
Any person suspected of terrorism should be entitled to a fair trial and appeal process independently of Parliamentary or Executive control.
Any accused person should be entitled to all the rights guaranteed by the New Zealand Bill of Rights.
No person or organization should be designated a “terrorist”, imprisoned or have their assets frozen, without having first being convicted in a court of law.
It should not be a crime to not report either a suspicion or knowledge that another person might be a “terrorist”.
New Zealand should not relinquish its sovereignty or judicial integrity by agreeing to make “designations” based on untested evidence from overseas.
The definition of a “terrorist act” should be very narrow and specific, according to the common public understanding of the word as an extremely violent act.
We believe that the best way to prevent terrorism is to promote peace and social and economic justice.
The Collective members of the Auckland Women’s Centre will be voting for parties and candidates who uphold civil and democratic rights and the due processes of law.
Yours sincerely,
Paulette Benton-Greig
Coordinator on Behalf of Management Collective
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