Opinion / Rant - Christchurch Protest Zones Ban Denied

TBH, as crude as it sounds, I *DO* support the motion to place restrictions on groups of people protesting at the Bridge of Remembrance (and a few other sensitive spots like the official quake memorial), and think that it is a terrible shame that this proposal got voted down (by such a slim margin, and from the usual suspects too)

 

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/588649/controversial-proposal-to-ban-protests-in-parts-of-christchurch-fails-to-get-off-the-ground

 

My Perspective:
* I do support the rights of people to hold protests in public locations about topics they feel strongly about, to get the chance to be heard. That's not in question.

* I do however draw the line when protests start becoming a somewhat regular fixture - i.e. When practically every weekend is almost guaranteed to see a protest group of some type (especially when it's the same one or two every time), OR multiple groups clashing, OR opposing groups holding opposing rallies on differing days, along with a few other random days here and there...

* I also draw the line when I have witnessed firsthand on multiple occasions, at close range, passers-by getting heckled by protest attendees (boldly holding their various paraphernalia), and having a "very robust" err... "discussion"  (*ahem* more like a one-sided evangelical barrage complete with chastening language) 

* Finally, having had to take a detour right around the block the other way to avoid these protest groups on multiple occasions now for personal safety  (and to avoid getting in the crossfire if anything suddenly gets a bit argy-bargy in there, as it's hard to tell which side is there in greater numbers these days)

It's rather bad that they *are* blocking a major thoroughfare into the city from one of the more convenient parking buildings, AND is also in the way of the parking for most tourist busses, which really isn't a good look for the city.

(Also... I'd understand if this was about a *local* / NZ-relevant issue. But we're talking here about something happening halfway around the world here!  Yes... those folk on both sides have family / friends here. And yes, they are trying to somehow sway public opinion towards their own side and/or exert pressure on the government to take a stronger stance in favour of their viewpoint!  BUT... as it stands, they're just turning regular folks off their causes and/or wanting to be seen in any association with them)