Three people have been arrested in New Zealand and charged over the destruction of a rainbow crossing in the city of Gisborne.
The religious group stopped traffic in the Gisborne CBD while they used white paint to cover up a rainbow crossing. Police have indicated that they expect to arrest more people in relation to the incident.
“We consider that, on the face of it, the alleged offending is consistent with a hate crime, and we will seek to establish that as fact during the ongoing investigations and court proceedings.” Inspector Danny Kirk said.
“This incident has caused concern for many people in our diverse community and acts like this have no place here,” said Inspector Kirk.
“Freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental principles of a free and democratic society under the rule of law.”
The vandalism was conducted by people linked the evangelical Destiny Church. Two men aged 36 and 46, and a woman aged 45 were arrested.
The city’s Mayor Rehette Stoltz has spoken out against the attack.
“We accept that people hold different views however there is no place for hate or bigotry in Tairāwhiti.” she said.
The rainbow crossing was restored by council workers.
The day after the attack on the rainbow crossing members of the Church group held a protest outside the local library which was aimed at LGBTIQA+ youth 16 and over. They faced off against members of the LGBTIQA+ community with police watching on.
OutLine Aotearoa, a mental health organisation, said the level of homophobia being displayed in the region was unacceptable.
Man allegedly assaulted after flying rainbow flag near the church
On Sunday morning LGBTIQA+ activist Zane Wedding and a colleague reportedly protested the actions of the church group by raising a rainbow flag in a public space near the church’s headquarters in Auckland.
He was allegedly assaulted, and police are now speaking to one person in relation to the incident.
Destiny Church have claimed that their security team was responding to prowlers on their property and allege that Wedding already had the black eye before encountering their team. New Zealand’s News Hub have covered the incident.
OIP Staff
