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Allegations
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Opposition
demonstrators who attended Auckland's Destiny Church Defend the Legacy march
yesterday are claiming they were subjected to police brutality. At the beginning of the
Destiny march, a small group with opposing views sat down on the ground to
block the path of the large group of marchers. Police intervened,
physically lifting and removing the seated protestors. Two demonstrators, who
were with a group supporting diversity, say the police were heavy handed, and
had pushed and shoved some people. Destiny marchers were
told not to touch any opposition demonstrators who crossed their path. The police say they
were happy with the behaviour of the marchers. Around 10,000 Destiny
Church members marched up Queen Street in support of the church and to
highlight the breakdown of the family unit in New Zealand society. Inspector Jim Wilson
says everything ran smoothly. He says only one arrest
was made and it was not for a serious offence. He says the marchers
stuck to all the conditions required by the council. Self proclaimed bishop
Brian Tamaki claims he is not bothered by opposition protestors. They were met by around
60 pro-diversity demonstrators who were forcibly removed by the police. Brian Tamaki says the
pro-diversity marches were clearly in the minority. He says he did not see
much of them because thee were so few of them. Brian Tamaki says he is
not sure if they will have more marches in the future but says if they do he
is sure they will attract more than double the number of people they did
yesterday. Meanwhile around 700
people met for the 'Don't hate, celebrate' gathering. Event organiser
Annalise Roache says It was ridiculous of Brian Tamaki to try to compare
numbers. She says it is not a
numbers game but was about sending a clear message that there's an
alternative opinion. She says she is
disappointed protestors showed up to the Destiny March as it was like
stooping to their level. |
