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A bill banning gang patches in Wanganui passed its first reading last night with surprise last-minute support from Labour.
National MP Chester Borrows is sponsoring the bill for Wanganui District Council, which will ban gang insignia in Wanganui's CBD, parks and some other areas.
Last night, Labour threw in its support to send the bill to a select committee by 103 votes to 13. Labour has recently announced various initiatives to crack down on gangs, including the Organised Crime Agency, and Cabinet papers on the OCA show the party has considered the issue of banning gang patches.
Labour MP Martin Gallagher said it was not the whole answer, "but at least it starts a serious discussion".
"Anyone who suggests we don't have a serious gang problem in this country is defying reality."
Wanganui's council has pushed for the bill for several years, saying it would help reduce intimidation of the public and inter-gang rivalries in the area.
The Maori Party, Green Party and Act voted against the bill. The Greens raised concerns about whether it was a justified restriction on freedom of expression.
But Mr Borrows said it was time to get tough. "This is not a debate about freedom of expression. It is an assertion of the rights of the majority to live in peace without being intimidated by criminals."
The legislation will soon be open for public submissions before the law and order select committee.
