Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister on the impact of the gang patch ban in private spaces, sentencing law reforms

The Prime Minister is making no apologies for curtailing the civil rights of gang members.  Documents show Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith initially rejected a police request to ban gang patches in the homes of repeat offenders, but then changed his mind.   That's despite objections from his own ministry, Te Puni Kokiri, and the Privacy Commissioner.  Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he's not concerned about gang members losing their rights.  He says gang members make up one quarter of one percent of the population, but are responsible for almost a fifth of serious violent crimes and homicides and almost a quarter of all firearms offences.  He’s reminding all judges the Government is in charge, as it looks to crack down on sentencing laws.   Reforms to legislation is being introduced in Parliament this week.   New aggravating factors are also being introduced, to include adults exploiting children by aiding or abetting their offending, and for posting criminal activity on social media.  Luxon told Hosking the decision of courts will reflect the intentions of Parliament, not judges.    He says they can have their say on the legislation during the Select Committee process.     LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.