New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) officials were accused yesterday of trying to muzzle freedom of speech.
A clause in the Beijing 2008 contracts requires athletes "to not make statements, demonstrate (whether verbally, or by any act or omission) regarding political, religious or racial matters".
Sports Minister Clayton Cosgrove told The Press the clause was there for the athletes' protection.
"We all support freedom of speech. But this is entirely a matter for the New Zealand Olympic Committee, which is an independent body.
"It is designed to ensure that athletes are not treated as political pawns so they can concentrate on their sport."
The Green Party wrote yesterday to the NZOC asking it to amend contracts, guaranteeing the right to speak freely while in China.
"I am asking our Olympic Committee to take out the offending clause," said Green MP Keith Locke.
"Not to do so would put us at odds with other Western countries ... that are allowing their athletes freedom of speech."
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How do you all feel about this? Do we give althletes the right to speak freely, or continue to help our steady, but shakey relationship with China in order for a few sweet trades? I may be missing something integral out, but it seems that way to me.
Im all for free speech, nationally or on the international court. Sorta like the black panthers at the olympics in the 60s. Give our althletes the option, they can choose what to do with it
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They should be allowed to say what they like but the big question is: who gives a f**k what they think?
Honestly. I care as much about what Bevan Docherty has to say about political freedom as I do what Nelson Mandella has to say about the international triathlon circuit.
Incredible stamina. No shame. Yellow Fever.
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I dont think that is the big question at all. Ok, so I dont really care what they are talking about, they could be talking about vegemite vs marmite. But thats not the point. They are going to participate in sports competed for by most of the world, promoting unity of nations and peace and all this crap and it is held in the heart of human rights abuse.
It does wind me up a bit, it just seems the biggest oxymoron to me. And I do understand what youi mean though Smithy, I just think the moral point should be that if your trying to help sort human rights within China, cancelling out one of the most basic of them is just stupid.
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As if any of the athletes were going to use the Olympics as a forum in any case. Pretty much unnecessary and, it means, once again China wins. 
dairyflat2008-02-15 12:22:07
dairyflat2008-02-15 12:22:07Profile pic. Should you be interested. Lakhsen, on the right, lost touch with him.
Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe.
20/5/20
Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe.
20/5/20
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yea its not like they are going to sit down and try stop tanks, or start a rant on the podium, but the fact they are planning to do this is just pretty rank.
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i agree here here gooner!! whether they wish to say something or not i dont think they should be forced to sign these contracts which means they cnt say what they wish.. that are against the human rights of free speech
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I did work experience at the Olympic committee late last year and after learning about Olympism (which believe me is about a HELL of a lot more than the olympic games) I'm baffled they'd put this clause in. Olympism is about improving the world through teamwork and physical activity, really they should be trying to impose on China that they're doing the wrong thing.
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f**k China and I'm sick of all this kiss arsing our Government are doing with them - Aunty Helen and two faced Uncle Winston.
Ignore the Dalai Lama, Ignore Tibet, Ignore the Feng Shu (Or whatever their name is.) But cuddle up to the chinese. f**k them, if they can't handle hearing a few words of truth about their barbaric human rights treatment, their sh*t towards Taiwan, Tibet etc, that's their problem.
Perhaps the worlds biggest polluters would like to spend some effort into cleaning up their overly polluted environment instead of muzzling anyone who doesn't agree with them.
Now I'll tell you what I really think - should I not show up on here in the next week, you can safely assume some chinese hit squad has visited my place of residence - Number 1 Molesworth Street - if it makes it any easier for the Chinese agents to find me!!
Lonegunmen2008-02-15 19:21:22Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
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NZ officials agree to lift gag on athletes
New Zealand Olympic officials have backed down from a plan to muzzle Kiwi athletes by stopping them commenting on political or human rights issues while in China.
p.s. I complained to the NZOC about the intiial decision. To their credit I had a phone call from them to explain their point of view.
dairyflat2008-02-20 10:58:42Profile pic. Should you be interested. Lakhsen, on the right, lost touch with him.
Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe.
20/5/20
Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe.
20/5/20
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NZ officials agree to lift gag on athletes
New Zealand Olympic officials have backed down from a plan to muzzle Kiwi athletes by stopping them commenting on political or human rights issues while in China.
p.s. I complained to the NZOC about the intiial decision. To their credit I had a phone call from them to explain their point of view.
wow thats great! well, a start anyway. there is still obviously a massive problem as critical lemon stated. good work though dairyflat 
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They acted to protect the Athletes? You mean the Olympic committe is scared that some one might get dealt with by the Chinese? Easy answer to that - DON'T GO and save the country a few million dollars as well. A protest of this kind would match that of the protest against the Moscow Olympics.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
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