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Anti-LGBT Protests Mar Auckland Pride Festival, Triggering Police Investigation

LGBT parade, Auckland Pride, Destiny Church, Te Atatū Library, Drag King, Rainbow Formation, Weather, Harassment, Aggression, Prime Minister, Police Investigation

Destiny Church Disrupts Auckland Pride and Children’s Event

On Saturday, February 15, the Auckland Pride Festival parade was disrupted by members of the evangelical Destiny Church. The protesters forced their way into the parade, performing a haka.

Earlier in the day, another event scheduled at the Te Atatū Library was also disrupted by the same protesters. The event, a drag-king storytime for children themed on rainbow formation and weather, was interrupted when the protesters forced entry into the building, brandishing signs such as "No Pride Propaganda" and "Only Two Genders."

Both actions by Destiny Church have been widely condemned, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon saying their protests had "crossed the line." The incidents have prompted a police investigation, which is examining allegations of assault and noting the "significant" impact the events had on children, library staff, and patrons.

Destiny Church, led by church leader Brian Tamaki, has defended its actions, decrying a "woke agenda" and accusing drag events of "grooming children into a queer lifestyle."

Criticism and Condemnation

The actions of Destiny Church have been met with widespread criticism from politicians, community leaders, and LGBTQ+ advocates.

Prime Minister Luxon called the disruptions "completely unacceptable" and said they had no place in New Zealand society. He added that the government would not tolerate any form of discrimination or hate speech.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown condemned the protests as "disgraceful" and said they had "no place in our city." He said the council would work with the police to ensure that future events were free from disruption.

The Green Party, which is part of the governing coalition, said the actions of Destiny Church were "an attack on our democratic values." The party called for the government to take action against hate speech and discrimination.

The Auckland Pride Festival organizers said they were "deeply disappointed" by the disruptions and that they would work to ensure that future events were safe and inclusive.

Police Investigation

The police are investigating the incidents and have said they are examining allegations of assault. Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said the investigation would be thorough and that those responsible would be held accountable.

The disruptions have had a significant impact on the children, library staff, and patrons who were present at the events. Many people have reported feeling scared, intimidated, and unsafe.

The police are urging anyone who was affected by the events to come forward and talk to them. They can be contacted by calling 105 or visiting their website.

Destiny Church’s Response

Destiny Church has defended its actions, saying that it is standing up for "traditional values" and protecting children from what it sees as a harmful ideology.

Church leader Brian Tamaki said that the church was not protesting against LGBTQ+ people but against "the woke agenda that is being pushed on our children." He said that drag events were "grooming children" and that the church would continue to speak out against them.

The church’s stance has been rejected by the vast majority of New Zealanders, who support the right of LGBTQ+ people to live their lives without fear or discrimination.

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