Summarised by Centrist
Eli Rubashkyn, a trans rights activist who poured tomato juice over women’s rights campaigner Posie Parker has failed to have the conviction overturned. Rubashkyn, who pleaded guilty to assault after the 2023 incident, argued the punishment was disproportionate to the offence.
The High Court upheld the conviction, with Justice David Johnstone stating, “The courts should be seen to denounce…that form of protest, because of the risk it will be copied, perhaps more harmfully, and because of its inherent tendency to undermine rather than facilitate the rule of law.”
The altercation occurred during Parker’s Let Woman Speak event in Auckland’s Albert Park, where trans rights supporters outnumbered Parker’s attendees and disrupted the gathering. Before Parker could address the crowd, Rubashkyn poured a litre of tomato juice over her head. Parker, also known as Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, abandoned the event and vowed never to return to New Zealand.
Rubashkyn’s lawyer, James Olsen, argued the assault was minor, describing it as “pouring tomato juice as an act of protest” motivated by concerns over Parker’s rhetoric.
Olsen pointed to the significant personal and professional consequences Rubashkyn faces, including restrictions on international travel and employment as a pharmacist.
However, prosecutor Kasey Nihill cited the conviction’s necessity in deterring physical attacks during protests.
Image: Simon Anderson
