The Government is under pressure to explain exactly what the proposed new hate laws would mean for criminal offending.
A new, clearer offence in the Crimes Act may be created with penalties that could range from three months' to three years' jail and fines up to $50,000 dollars.
Canterbury University Dean of Law Ursula Cheer spoke to RNZ's Corin Dann about the changes:
The plan's been condemned by the Opposition as 'Orwellian' and a huge win for 'cancel culture'. It wants to know at what point insulting or offensive views could land someone in court.
National Party MP Simon Bridges put a scenario to the Justice Minister Kris Faafoi while debating in Parliament.
Faafoi said every case is different, but it would be a very high bar.
