Editorial: Gang bill likely to reduce influence

The opposition to Rotorua MP Todd McClay's gang insignia bill seems half-hearted at best.

Mr McClay's bill to ban gang insignia from government premises, which passed its second reading this week, has been extended to include every school in New Zealand. The amendment was in response to a submission from Murupara Area School saying children should not be exposed to gang insignia.

Not many would stand up to disagree, so instead opposition arguments are focusing on the wider gang problem.

Labour MP Phil Goff said the bill was a "BS" bill that would do nothing to protect New Zealanders or stop the underlying gang problem. Green MP David Clendon said the bill would not tackle the underlying causes behind gangs. It also won't cook you dinner, but what's that got to do with the price of fish?

Labour's Andrew Little said the bill would only address the clothing worn by the gang member and not their actions.

Perhaps someone should point out that if a gang member's actions are illegal, you don't need a new bill to deal with it.

It's not about the actions. It's about intimidation and diminishing social acceptance.

Mr McClay has said the bill will reduce the influence of gangs. It's not hard to see how. Especially when it comes to banning gang insignia from schools.