Summarised by Centrist
Police have arrested three more individuals in connection with a Destiny Church-linked protest that disrupted a drag event at the Te Atatū Community Centre in Auckland. This follows four arrests earlier in the week, bringing the total to seven.
The incident, which took place on February 15 during Pride week, involved protesters forcing their way into the event, allegedly assaulting attendees and causing distress to participants.
Superintendent Naila Hassan stated that police are still seeking additional individuals involved, warning them to turn themselves in. Among the latest arrests, a 44-year-old faces a charge of injuring with intent, while two other men face multiple assault charges under the Crimes and Summary Offences acts.
Another individual was charged with indecent assault. Hassan condemned the protest, stating, “There is a place for peaceful and lawful protest in this country, but this event crossed the line.”
Destiny Church has previously distanced itself from direct organisation of such protests, but members of the group have been involved in several high-profile demonstrations. This includes the ‘Make New Zealand Great Again’ motorway protest in November, where 20 people were fined $250 each for walking on State Highway 1, causing significant traffic delays.
While critics argue the protests intimidate LGBTQ+ communities, supporters claim they are exercising their right to oppose what they see as ideological events targeted at children.
Read more over at RNZ and The NZ Herald
