Abortion Protestor’s Arrest and Release Raises Questions About Free Speech Limits

Paul Burns asked students that if they believed the world was overpopulated then they should commit suicide.

The sign carried by Paul Burns when he was arrested by Police in Wellington, New Zealand. Courtesy of the New Zealand Free Speech Union

Holding a sign critical of abortion—and debating the issue with students—was enough to get Paul Burns arrested, handcuffed, and taken to police cells.

Burns was charged with public disorder, leaving him with the prospect of a $1,000 fine and a criminal record.