Kia ora hello,
Talk about making a statement! The five speakers at Monday’s Unify Rally laid down the big reasons why we’ve got to vote yes next year, and why reconsidering how we respond to drugs is overdue.
As asha bandele, activist and author, put it: you cannot talk about the war on drugs in isolation from wider societal issues.
People are stepping up to demand that outdated prohibition be replaced. Thanks to everyone who came along on Monday night. Plus a big shout out to the 35 volunteers on the night and everyone who offered to help in the future.
There are lots of ways that you can pick up #HealthNotHandcuffs and run with it. Let us know how we can help you.
Stephen Blyth
for #HealthNotHandcuffs Crew
Unify Rally
"There is no country on the planet that doesn't use drug laws to target whichever is their marginalised population," Deborah Small, Executive Director of Break the Chains (USA), said ahead of the Unify Rally.
It’s a tough truth to grapple with. But the data shows that this is the case as much in New Zealand as everywhere else around the world. Khylee Quince, from AUT’s Law School, outlined the ways Māori are more likely to be stopped, searched, arrested, convicted and jailed. The flow-on effects last long past the end of any sentence.
We have every right to feel angry and let down. But as Julia Whaipooti clearly stated: all the more reason to push for change. We must do our utmost to win the cannabis referendum and push for wider change.
See our summary of the Unify Rally, some more photos and links to related news items. Be sure to sign up – don’t just get mad, get involved.
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