The Triumphant Return of Planet Key

It’s only taken eight months but finally we have a ruling on Planet Key. I’ve written a little bit on the background to that here and here. Out yesterday, the judgment strikes a firm blow for all who believe in freedom of artistic expression ... this from the press release:

The High Court has today delivered its judgment on the challenge brought by the makers of the satirical song and video “Planet Key” against the Electoral Commission’s opinion that the song and video were "election advertisements" under the Electoral Act and "election programmes" under the Broadcasting Act.

In a 76-page judgment, Justice Denis Clifford ruled comprehensively in favour of Watson and Jones. Significantly, he held that the Electoral Commission’s interpretation of the legislation “would impose limits on the right of freedom of expression of the plaintiffs and New Zealand citizens more generally in a manner which… cannot be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.”

Darren Watson and Jeremy Jones say they are delighted with the ruling, saying that it vindicates completely their sense of grievance about Commission’s advice that Planet Key could not be lawfully broadcast, sold through i-Tunes, or posted on the internet.

Watson and Jones’ lawyers say that the case upholds freedom of speech and protects the rights of artists to express their personal political views.

This is great stuff, and well done to Watson and Jones for what can only be described as an overwhelming vindication of their position … and well done to all of the legal beagles involved in getting the right outcome.

So, go and grab a celebratory name-your-price download of ‘Planet Key’ from Darren Watson’s Bandcamp page here.