Bridges backs free speech for far-right writers banned from Auckland Council venues, New Zealand Herald, 9 July 2018:
National leader Simon Bridges says two Canadian far-right writers should be able to come to New Zealand and speak, even if people disagree with their views.
Bridges was commenting today on a decision by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff to ban controversial pair Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux from using Auckland Council-owned venues for their New Zealand tour.
[...]
Bridges told TVNZ's Breakfast show today he strongly disagreed with the pair's views but freedom of speech was important.
"I disagree strongly with what these activists are saying but I think it's a dangerous thing to say 'because we don't like what you're saying we won't let you in'.
National wants Chelsea Manning barred from New Zealand, Stuff, 28 August 2018:
National is calling on the Government to bar ex-US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning from visiting the country next month.
Former Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said the "convicted felon" should not be allowed to earn money talking about her crimes, and it would "not enhance" New Zealand's relationship with the US.
Manning, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison for leaking hundreds of thousands of classified American diplomatic and military documents, has two speaking events scheduled in early September.
The obvious conclusion: National doesn't really support free speech. Instead, they support Nazis. Good to have that out in the open.
