Law Society says Kill the Bill

This is almost unprecedented.

The Law Society puts in a submission on most bills before Parliament.  But almost without exception they provide constructive suggestions as to how to improve the Bill. But in their own words:

“It’s very rare for the society to come to the view that a bill is bad and should not proceed further. But the Electoral Finance Bill is one such bill,”

They state:

“The rules regarding registration, disclosure, spending limits and related offences are so complex, vague and uncertain as to make participation in our parliamentary democracy a difficult undertaking for ordinary New Zealanders.

“The effect in our view will be to stifle debate on important issues at election time which is precisely when debate should be encouraged,”

Both the Human Rights Commission and the Law Society have said the Bill is so flawed that it should not proceed.  If Labour, Greens, NZ First and United Future insist on pressing ahead, despite this, they should be made to suffer the consequences.