Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has criticised Destiny Church members for going “too far” during disruptive protests at Pride events in Auckland on 15 February 2025.
The protests targeted a children’s science show hosted by a drag artist at the Te Atatū Community Centre and the Auckland Rainbow Parade.
The demonstration at Te Atatū turned violent, with attendees—including children—forced to barricade themselves inside. Protesters from Destiny Church’s Man Up and Legacy Sisterhood groups pushed and shoved their way into the event, disrupting the show. Later, they stormed the Auckland Rainbow Parade, breaking through police barricades and interrupting festivities with a haka.
Leaders Condemn Violence
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon denounced the protests, stating: “It’s important to respect free speech and peaceful protest, but the Destiny Church protest went too far.”
He affirmed New Zealand’s commitment to diversity, saying: “This is a great country that celebrates diversity, and that has made Aotearoa a better place.”
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown called Destiny Church’s actions “totally unacceptable,” adding: “There is absolutely no place for thuggery.”
Brown stressed the importance of respecting community spaces: “To enter a council library and intimidate staff, volunteers, and community members is completely out of line.”
Labour leader Chris Hipkins directly criticised Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki, stating: “Real men don’t barricade women and children. Real men don’t threaten and intimidate. Real men don’t preach hate.”
Brian Tamaki Takes Credit for Protest
During a sermon, Bishop Brian Tamaki admitted he instructed his congregation to disrupt the library event, telling them: “I want you to storm the library they’re in and shut it down.”
Tamaki dismissed the criticism, framing the protests as a response to what he called “borderline pornography and perversion” in children’s events.
Rainbow Community Stands Firm
The protests were met with a defiant response from the LGBTQIA+ community. Iconic entertainers The Topp Twins rallied supporters with a powerful statement on Facebook: “We will not be intimidated. We will not stand for violence. We are vibrant, strong, beautiful, and loving. We will not go away.”
Auckland Rainbow Parade event manager Shaughan Woodcock underscored the importance of Pride: “Events like the Auckland Rainbow Parade are about love, unity, inclusion, and diversity. We will keep going and keep fighting the fight.”
Woodcock called out Tamaki’s actions, adding: “There’s a difference between freedom of speech and hate speech. Inciting hatred at a peaceful event is not acceptable.”
