Seven people have appeared in court following a Destiny Church-linked protest at an Auckland library during a Pride event last month.
Protesters stormed the Te Atatū Community Centre and Library during a children’s event hosted by a drag king on February 15.
Around 30 children and adults were barricaded inside during the incident.
Those who appeared this morning faced a range of common assault charges.
A 67-year-old man was also facing a charge of indecent assault alongside two common assault charges.
A 44-year-old man faced a charge of injuring with intent.
All seven defendants, four men and three women, were remanded on bail without plea.
Legal counsel Bridget Lawler argued for interim name suppression of all defendants, citing reasons including threats against their life and prejudice to a fair trial.
Community Magistrate Fenella Thomas declined the applications for all but one of the defendants, given they chose to take part in protest which had already been widely disseminated online, and by taking part, they subjected themselves to public scrutiny.
Name suppression was granted for a 19-year-old woman who faced one common assault charge, given her age.
Legal counsel appealed the decision not to grant interim name suppression for the other defendants, therefore they cannot yet be named.
All would reappear in Waitākere District Court to enter pleas next month.
