On 19 March 2023 we wrote to Hon. Michael Wood, Minister of Immigration, to voice our concerns about the expected arrival of British anti-trans campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, also known as Posie Parker, to Aotearoa.
Over the weekend images showing far-right neo-nazis from the National Socialist Movement, attending the ‘Let Women Speak’ event in Melbourne. We believe that far-right extremism is being promoted through anti-trans rhetoric and that allowing Keen-Minshull to speak in New Zealand is divisive and will lead to similar violent scenes in New Zealand as it did in Australia.
Photos from the Melbourne rally are below.
You can read our letter to the Minister below.
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Tēnā koe Minister Wood,
I am writing on behalf of New Zealand Humanists to express concern about news that British anti-trans campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, also known as Posie Parker, will be coming to New Zealand. We ask that you consider denying any visa application or revocation of any previously granted visa to Keen-Minshull and anyone associated with organising the Let Women Speak event.
We believe that Keen-Minshull poses significant risk and threat to public order and the public interest.
Yesterday at a ‘Let Women Speak’ event in Melbourne that was organised by Posie Parker, far-right neo-nazis from the National Socialist Movement attended in support of her hateful message and made Nazi salutes in front of the Victorian Parliament building. I provide below links to news coverage and attach a number of photos from the rally.
Humanists New Zealand has long supported LGBTQI+ rights in New Zealand. We’ve campaigned for equal rights, marriage reform, and the pardoning of those convicted for homosexual acts. We believe that New Zealand needs to send a clear signal of our commitment to human rights and gender equality.
We are gravely concerned about the rise of far right extremism being promoted through anti-trans rhetoric.
- https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/03/18/anti-trans-posie-parker-supporters-nazi-salutes-melbourne/
- https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2023/mar/18/australia-news-live-extreme-heat-total-fire-ban-victoria-nsw-south-australia-aukus-protest-china
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11874723/Transgender-rights-activists-clash-Melbourne-anti-trans-activist-Kellie-Jay-Keen-tours.html
Ngā mihi,
Sara Passmore