Golriz Ghahraman’s attempts to smear her political opponents as racist are truly appalling, according to ACT President Ruwan Premathilaka.
“ACT Leader David Seymour has rightly pointed out that an MP committed to laws criminalising speech is a danger to freedom. Good on him for calling Ghahraman out.
“Ghahraman’s decision to play the race card in response is a cheap ploy designed to escape the responsibility of presenting evidence and making well-reasoned arguments. She should take some responsibility for the positions she has taken on freedom of expression and stick to debating the issue.
“The Green MP’s retreat into a victimhood mentality when challenged is desperate.
“If I had constantly played the race card as a recent immigrant to New Zealand, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“Incitement is a crime. If Ms Ghahraman believes an offence has been committed, she should report it. If not, she should drop her sanctimony.
“It’s also deeply disappointing to see National Party MP Judith Collins failing to stand up for freedom of expression. The National Party used to believe in individual freedom, but it has been missing in action in the free speech debate.
“I’m proud to be the president of a political party which now has record numbers of new members. The reason is simple: ACT is the only party standing up for freedom in New Zealand.”