Our View: Freedom of speech to be used carefully

For centuries, people across the world have fought for the right to say and express what they think and it is a sad fact that even today some countries do not allow such basic rights.
Thankfully, such freedom is enshrined in our democratic rights.
But it must also be used responsibly.
There are some legal restrictions on freedom of speech - and for good reason.
For example, people can be punished for saying or expressing what they want if they break the law by committing indecency, sedition, defamation, breach of the peace, and contempt of court.
The freedom of speech issue is in the headlines this week after the arrest of prominent New Zealand singer Tiki Taane.
This newspaper broke the story on Monday of how Taane was arrested for disorderly behaviour at a Tauranga gig on Saturday night after allegedly singing derogatory lyrics about the police.
He is alleged to have sung a rap song containing swear words and which is insulting towards the men and women in blue as officers visited Illuminati on Harrington St early Sunday.
Police left but later returned to arrest him and have charged him with disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence.
The lyrics are too offensive to print in this paper.
Taane's production company and some of his fans are defending his alleged actions claiming his right to freedom of speech.
Other fans however are not so forgiving, saying freedom of speech does not give any one the right to speak their mind with a complete disregard for the consequences. These fans are right - both legally and morally.
Morally, Taane, like all New Zealand singers, is looked up to by our younger generation. He is their role model and in a privileged position. He should act accordingly.
Some might argue that police should have better things to do when out on patrol and it remains to be seen whether this charge survives the court process.
But it is time a line was drawn.
People are increasingly showing less respect for authority. Anyone who watches popular television reality shows will have seen the unacceptable abuse the police have to endure.
Others may question why the police did not arrest Taane immediately, instead of returning more than an hour later to deal with the matter.
But police showed what Taane lacked - responsibility. By dealing with the matter discretely and after the commotion had died down, they may have prevented further trouble.
One of the police force's staunchest supporters has publicly support the local officers' actions.
The normally diplomatic Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga, called Taane a disgrace. A former Crown prosecutor, Mr Bridges respects the police and recognises the community's concerns over safety issues in the CBD.
Our police are generally respected by our community.
Taane, if guilty, will not be.
Mr Bridges says he hopes never to see Taane in Tauranga again.
We agree.