Results for Tonga Media Laws

Disregarding strong public protests and the opposition of People's Representatives, the Tongan Government pushed through a bill for Constitutional change on October 16. - Matangi Tonga, Vol. 18, No. 3

Disregarding strong public protests and the opposition of People'’s Representatives, the Tongan Government pushed through a bill for Constitutional change on October 16. The changes, which have yet to be signed into law by the king, will allow government to control freedom of speech. The 16 members who voted in favour of the controversial Bill were: Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, James Cecil Cocker, William Clive Edwards, Dr Masasso T. Paunga, Dr Viliami Ta'u Tangi, Fielakepa, Siosiua Tupou 'Utoikamanu, 'Aisea Havea Taumoepeau, Paula Sunia Bloomfield, Tuita, Malupo, 'Akau'ola, Fohe, Nuku, Havea Tu'iha'angana, and Tu'i'afitu.

The controversy over the proposal by government to amend Clause 7 of the Tongan Constitution, giving government the right to make laws to control Freedom of Speech and the media, is dividing the country. Government is not going to win respect by changing the laws, simply because it has been losing its court cases against its critics. We are at the cross roads, in an unfamiliar Twilight Zone. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua (From our Archives 2003).

The Tongan Government has launched a nation-wide campaign to counter the growing opposition to its proposed amendment to Clause 7 of the Constitution, which will neutralize "Freedom of Speech" in the Kingdom. -by Pesi Fonua

When the Tonga government’s ban on the Taimi ‘o Tonga newspaper came unstuck in March, it proceeded to draft bills to amend the Constitution and to introduce new legislation to try to regulate the media. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.