A counter protest to Destiny Church action outside a youth health service for transgender youth is under way in Christchurch today. Photo / George Heard
Destiny Church supporters are protesting outside a Christchurch youth health service which helps young transgender people access healthcare.
Controversial church leader Brian Tamaki is spearheading the protest activity outside Te Tahi Youth, which was founded by Dame Sue Bagshaw.
Tamaki announced his protest plans on social media platform X this morning.
Last night he spoke in Christchurch about what he claimed was the “irreversible destruction puberty blockers were causing to hundreds of Kiwi kids and teenagers” in New Zealand.
“Dr Sue Bagshaw who is the pioneer of blockers in NZ and unbelieveably [sic] has also been appointed the lead investigator in the review of blockers suitability in NZ by the Govt… What a joke. We all know the outcome they want in this corrupt setup.”
Tamaki supports are holding signs alleging that puberty blockers amount to “child abuse” while others are waving New Zealand flags.
A counterprotest is also under way, with people holding signs that say, ‘Rainbow rangitahi belong’ and ‘Protect trans youth’.
Counterprotest organisers earlier called for “community mobilisation” to “defend access to gender-affirming care”.
A post online called for supporters to turn out and show Tamaki that “his hatred has no home here”.
Tamaki joined the protesters at lunchtime today, flanked by Destiny Church Christchurch pastor Derek Tait.
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