Brian Tamaki Seeks Legal Action Over Image Misuse at Big Gay Out

Brian Tamaki, the leader of Destiny Church, is pursuing legal advice after discovering his image displayed on a pride flag at the Big Gay Out, Aotearoa's largest LGBTQ+ festival. This incident follows previous disruptions linked to Destiny Church, including a violent interruption of a drag event and a rainbow parade in Auckland last year. Attendees at the festival expressed a desire for a safe space, with some vocalizing their opposition to Tamaki's presence, stating, “F*** Brian Tamaki. We’ve got to keep fighting the good fight.”

The New Zealand Herald

Tamaki characterized the use of his image as a "deliberate misuse" and indicated he is exploring potential legal action against the event organizers and media involved. He expressed concerns about defamation, stating, “If this is defamation, I hope they’ve got deep pockets.” His comments were shared on social media, emphasizing his discontent with what he termed "hateful reproduction and misrepresentation."

The New Zealand Herald

The Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, which organizes the Big Gay Out, defended the right to freedom of expression. Mary Haddock-Staniland, the foundation's chief organization enablement officer, highlighted the event's focus on visibility, connection, and health. She stated, “Our role is to ensure the event remains safe, inclusive, and respectful for everyone present.” Haddock-Staniland acknowledged that attendees express themselves in various ways, and the foundation does not endorse individual messages displayed at the event.

The New Zealand Herald

This year's Big Gay Out follows a series of protests by Destiny Church members, including a notable incident last year where they disrupted a rainbow parade by blocking roads and performing a haka. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown condemned such actions, asserting, “There is absolutely no place for thuggery.” Additionally, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon remarked that while free speech and peaceful protest are important, the actions of Destiny Church protesters had crossed a line.

The New Zealand Herald

The queer rights group Rainbow Action Tamaki (RAT) was involved in heckling during the Big Gay Out, although they clarified that the individuals who took to the stage were not RAT members but rather community members expressing frustration. Spokesperson Mia Crossan noted that these individuals felt their voices were not being heard or respected.

The New Zealand Herald

There are discrepancies regarding the nature and extent of the disruptions caused by Destiny Church members at previous events. While some sources describe violent confrontations, others focus on the protests as expressions of free speech. The exact ownership of the pride flag featuring Tamaki's image remains unclear.

The New Zealand Herald

• “If you spot the deliberate misuse of my image on an offensive flag … I am actively seeking advice about what action can be taken against organisers and media who think hateful reproduction and misrepresentation is acceptable,” — Brian Tamaki, Leader of Destiny Church

The New Zealand Herald

• “Our role is to ensure the event remains safe, inclusive, and respectful for everyone present.” — Mary Haddock-Staniland, Chief Organisation Enablement Officer, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

The New Zealand Herald

• “There is absolutely no place for thuggery,” — Wayne Brown, Auckland Mayor

The New Zealand Herald

• “Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it is important to respect people’s right to free speech and peaceful protest, but the Destiny Church protest went “too far”.” — Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand

The New Zealand Herald