Michael Laws - Sunday Star Times
The Issue
When a young Christchruch man with Asperger's syndrome was arrested for looting, outspoken radio commentator and New Zealand politican Michael Laws chose the occasion to attack him through his regular column in the Sunday Star Times.
A black eye for liberal bleaters on 13 March makes a number of what has been described as offensive and discriminatory statements about people with Asperger’s syndrome.
In response, well-known broadcaster and writer Brian Edwards published a line by line commentary on his blog: Brian Ewdwards MEDIA.
Here’s my view, Michael. Your columns have become a blot on New Zealand journalism. Once a fine writer and commentator, you now make your living on radio and in print as a dog-whistler for ignorance and prejudice. In your lack of empathy for those less fortunate than yourself, you have perhaps more in common with Arie Smith than you might think.
Marilyn McLachlan, editor of New Zealand blog Mums on Top and mother of a young man with Asperger’s syndrome, emailed Mr Laws to share her personal experience. Mr Laws’s reply to her was both unapologetic and discriminatory.
Mr Laws continued to defend his position through an article on the TV3 website and in a reply to Mr Edwards’s commentary.
On Sunday 20 March, the Sunday Star Times published an article written by Mr Smith-Voorkamp's lawyer, Simon Buckingham, called In Asperger's case, the rule of Laws does not beat the rule of the law.
The Response
The Mental Health Foundation believes Mr Buckingham’s reply was extremely well written, and our Chief Exectuive wrote a letter to the Sunday Star Times in support of it:
Dear Sir
The Mental Health Foundation wishes to commend you for publishing Simon Buckingham’s In Asperger’s case, the rule of Laws does not beat the rule of the law on Sunday 20 March.
Mr Buckingham’s piece was extremely well written and highlighted the fact that Michael Laws frequently attacks the most vulnerable members of our society.
Many of Mr Laws’s comments seem to be written with the intent to offend. Looking back through his previous columns he has implied that vigilante justice has its place in our society, judged and persecuted those in his sights on their appearance, drawn comparisons between those with experience of schizophrenia and paedophiles and played down the affects mental illness can have on those with experience and also their families.
Amongst those repeatedly attacked by Mr Laws are the one in five New Zealander’s who experience some form of mental health problem each year, however, it has been heartening to see a number of bloggers and media commentators take a stand against Mr Laws and his prejudiced views.
The Mental Health Foundation is always appreciative of people who feel confident enough to open up about their personal experiences and/or to take a stand against discrimination. Thank you once again for publishing Mr Buckingham’s piece as it highlighted many of the concerns we have with Mr Laws’ columns.
Yours faithfully,
Judi Clements
You, too, can respond to media coverage that you believe is stigmatising or discriminatory. Visit our Media Watch section for a step-by-step guide on how to make a complaint.
