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Voices for Freedom

Voices of Freedom
AbbreviationVFF
Formation2020[1]
PurposeAnti-vaccination campaigning and misinformation.
Websitehttp://www.voicesforfreedom

Voices for Freedom is a New Zealand anti-vaccination lobby group founded by anti-vaccine activists Claire Deeks, Alia Bland and Libby (Elizabeth) Jonson.[2]

Activities

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Covid Misinformation Pamphlets

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The group has conducted several campaigns delivering leaflets which were

"Actively share false and misleading information and are seeking to cause harm."

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/12/kiwis-warned-to-be-careful-after-anti-vaccine-letters-using-unite-against-covid-19-branding-left-in-hamilton-residents-letterboxes.html

The "Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which found six of eight claims it made were unsubstantiated https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300329450/complaints-against-antivax-leaflet-largely-upheld-by-advertising-standards-authority

Removal from Facebook

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In July 2021 the groups page was removed by Facebook for promoting "harmful misinformation" and "false claims". [3]

Harassment at vaccination centers

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The group also protested at a vaccination centre, with its members "banging on their car window" and displaying "scaremongering and baseless statements". [4]

Harassment at schools

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On several occasions, members of Voices for freedom protested outside schools and School board meetings. [5]

Anti-vaccination Billboard

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NZ anti-mandate protests

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Voices for Freedom were part of the leadership group during the 2022 Wellington protests, claiming to represent “over half” of the protesters. [1] The protest saw "significant levels of abuse and harassment" for local residents [6], faeces thrown at police [7] and became a Covid location of interest as covid cases were confirmed at the location. [8]

Complaints, investigations and criticisms

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References

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  1. ^ a b Chapman, Madeleine (2 March 2022). "Giving a voice to Voices for Freedom". Newsroom. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  2. ^ Satherley, Dan (3 August 2021). "Anti-vaccination group Voices for Freedom's billboards taken down after 'harassing people' trying to get vaccines". Newshub. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  3. ^ Fisher, David. "Takedown: The slick anti-vaxxing group that just got banned by Facebook". NZHerald. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  4. ^ Sadler, Rachel. "Coronavirus: 'Terrifying' Voices for Freedom protesters descend on vaccine centre - but healthcare workers inside ease children's fears". Newshub. Newshub. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  5. ^ Wiggins, Amy. "Covid 19 coronavirus: Anti-vaxxers target school board meetings, hand flyers to students, email principals". NZHerald. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  6. ^ Whyte, Anna. "'Enough' - Wellington leaders call for end to protest". 1News. TVNZ. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  7. ^ "Faeces thrown at police at Parliament protest". Radio New Zealand. 21 February 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  8. ^ "Protest at Parliament named as Covid location of interest". 1News. TVNZ. Retrieved 3 March 2022.