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Police are paying close attention and have plans to keep people safe and secure at upcoming Auckland Pride Festival events.
That includes for Pride Festival activities in east Auckland, such as the six at Botany Library at Botany Town Centre over the next week, and Hugo’s Rainbow Show at Te Tuhi public arts centre in Pakuranga.
The Times asked Counties Manukau East Police if they’re making any extra public surveillance plans for the east Auckland area following the loud and aggressive protest by Destiny Church members at a Pride event at Auckland Libraries’ Te Atatū Library last Saturday.
Earlier this week, police and the Auckland Council publicly condemned the serious disturbance by Destiny Church followers at Te Atatū, and Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon said the protest went “too far”.
Inspector Rakana Cook, area prevention manager for Counties Manukau East Police, says: “Police acknowledge the importance of the annual Auckland Pride Festival for this city’s Rainbow communities.
“In light of the events that took place in Te Atatū over the weekend, police have been working with council and festival organisers.
“We’re aware there are upcoming events in the Counties Manukau East area as part of the festival,” says Cook.
The Times counted seven events in east Auckland on the Auckland Pride Festival website that are happening from now until Pride month ends.
“Our focus is on ensuring people’s safety,” says Cook. “This may include police presence if appropriate in the circumstances.
“Fundamentally, those attending Pride have the right to be safe and feel safe.
“Police respect the right to protest in this country. However, we will not tolerate intimidatory behaviour or violence towards members of the community.”
The council’s community director, Rachel Kelleher, says it has “staged a number of successful events so far this month and there are a number of events planned as part of the Pride programme, by a range of artists and offerings”.
“It’s standard for us to carry out safety planning for any council-led event, where staff and public safety is always the main priority when assessing risks.
“The council’s security team provides expertise when required, and security guards are engaged based on risk,” says Kelleher.
“The council would only cancel an event if it was determined that risks could not be reasonably controlled, and staff and public safety was at too high a risk.”
Earlier this week, acting Waitematā Police District commander, inspector Simon Walker, said police “strongly condemn” the actions of the Destiny Church group protesting at the children’s event at Te Atatū Library, and confirmed officers are investigating allegations of assault.
“The event was being run as part of the city’s Pride Festival but was cancelled after about 50 people entered the building and refused to leave,” said Walker.
“The group’s actions caused considerable distress and concern among tamariki, library staff and visitors. This protest crossed a line.
“Freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental principles of a free and democratic society under the rule of law, but nobody, especially children, should ever be made to feel unsafe.”
The Destiny Church members’ actions also drew a strong response from the council’s chief executive, Phil Wilson.
“Children, young people and their families were caught up in a violent and ugly situation that was outrageous and unacceptable,” he said.
“As an organisation, we respect people’s right to free speech, protest and freedom of expression.
“Our libraries lead the charge on this. But when it turns violent and aggressive, when shouting drowns out other voices, and when people get hurt… it has gone too far.
“With one in 20 adults belonging to Aotearoa New Zealand’s LGBTTQIAP+ population, councils play an incredibly important part in setting the tone for inclusion for our Rainbow community,” Wilson said.
“Throughout Pride Month there will be many fantastic events for all to enjoy, but it’s also a reminder of the things we do every day to encourage and enable social cohesion, provide safe spaces for people to connect and deliver activities that champion learning, tolerance and inclusion.”
- The earlier Times story about the protest at Te Atatū Library:
https://www.times.co.nz/art-entertainment/protest-at-childrens-pride-month-event-condemned/
