my-server
← Wiki

Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Act 2013

The Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Act 2013 was legislation passed by the New Zealand Parliament on 7 August 2013, which went into effect when given royal assent on the 12 August 2013.

The act prevents "gang insignia" defined in the act as —<blockquote>a) a sign, symbol, or representation commonly displayed to denote member of, an affiliation with, or support for a gang, not being a tattoo; and

b) includes any item of clothing to which a sign, symbol, or representation referred to in paragraph (a) is attached.</blockquote>from being worn on any government premises, which are properties, whole or parts of structures owned or under control by the Crown, the Police, a Crown entity or a local authority. It also includes the buildings and grounds of any school, public hospital or health facility owned or under the control of a district health board, and lastly any swimming pool or aquatic centre owned by or under the control of a local authority.

It was repealed by the Gangs Act 2024, which includes a prohibition on the display of gang insignia in a public place (extending beyond Government premises).

Response

When the bill was proposed by National Party member Todd McClay, Leader of Mana Movement Hone Harawira stated that it was a "deeply racist" due to the majority of gang population being those of Māori descent. He also labelled the bill as "woefully underprepared".

References

External links