Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister on the impact of the gang patch ban in private spaces, sentencing law reforms

Published: Sept. 16, 2024, 8:21 p.m.

The Prime Minister is making no apologies for curtailing the civil rights of gang members.\xa0

Documents show Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith initially rejected a police request to ban gang patches in the homes of repeat offenders, but then changed his mind. \xa0

That's despite objections from his own ministry, Te Puni Kokiri, and the Privacy Commissioner.\xa0

Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he's not concerned about gang members losing their rights.\xa0

He says gang members make up one quarter of one percent of the population, but are responsible for almost a fifth of serious violent crimes and homicides and almost a quarter of all firearms offences.\xa0

He\u2019s reminding all judges the Government is in charge, as it looks to crack down on sentencing laws. \xa0

Reforms to legislation is being introduced in Parliament this week. \xa0

New aggravating factors are also being introduced, to include adults exploiting children by aiding or abetting their offending, and for posting criminal activity on social media.\xa0

Luxon told Hosking the decision of courts will reflect the intentions of Parliament,\xa0not judges.\xa0 \xa0

He says they can have their say on the legislation during the Select Committee process.\xa0\xa0 \xa0

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