Free Speech Union Executive Director Jillaine Heather joins Dane Giraud on Free to Speak to set out the Union's priorities heading into the 2026 general election. Together they work through the three campaigns the FSU is running before election day.

The first is opposing the return of blasphemy and religious hate speech laws. Heather argues the state can protect people from threats and harassment, but it cannot wall off beliefs and faiths from criticism.

The second is professional regulation. She argues licensing bodies are straying beyond consumer safety into people's lawful private views. A mandatory course becomes compelled belief, she says, when someone has to give the approved answers to keep their licence.

The third is the Government's new Online Safety Bill, introduced in August 2026, which would establish a regulator inside the Department of Internal Affairs. Heather's concern reaches past the under-16 age limit. She argues the real question is whether a government body should sit between adults and their access to lawful online communication. The Union is planning a symposium on the online space for early 2027.

Free to Speak is the official podcast of the New Zealand Free Speech Union. Uncensored conversations on free speech, civil liberties, and the people defending them. Hosted by Dane Giraud.

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