A right-wing Aussie politician has hit out at Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, calling his decision not lot let far-right speakers use council venues a "fatwa".
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Mr Goff sent a clear message earlier this month that Canadian speakers Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux, headed for New Zealand, are not welcome at Auckland Council venues.
"I just think we've got no obligation at all - in a city that's multicultural, inclusive, embraces people of all faiths and ethnicities - to provide a venue for hate speech by people that want to abuse and insult others, either their faith or their ethnicity," he told Newshub.
In an interview on Sky TV, former Parramatta representative Ross Cameron called Mr Goff's decision a "fatwa", NZME reported.
In Islam, a fatwa is a nonbinding but authoritative legal opinion.
However, Ms Southern reportedly told Mr Cameron New Zealanders - left and right - have been supportive of her right to free speech.
"It's just been a beautiful thing so we will be speaking in Auckland despite all the opposition, despite all the hate," she said.
It was previously reported the pair cancelled any public appearances in New Zealand, struggling to find a venue. But last Thursday the promoter said the gig was still going ahead at a secret venue. Ticket holders will be notified via email or text with only 24 hours' notice.
- Protests outside Lauren Southern speaking gig in Melbourne
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Police in Melbourne billed Ms Southern and Mr Molyneux for the cost of patrolling outside their gig last week.
Ms Southern was refused entry to the UK earlier this year after displaying flyers reading "Allah is a Gay God" and "Allah is trans". She claims the flyers were part of a stunt proving Islam is homophobic.
Newshub.
