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Rape activists want Tyson visit stopped

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Activists want Tyson visit stopped

3News NZ

Mike Tyson (Reuters)

Mike Tyson (Reuters)

By 3 News online staff / RadioLIVE

An anti-rape group is appalled that former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has been given the green light to enter New Zealand, despite having a conviction for rape.

The 46-year-old is headlining a motivational speaking night in Auckland in November.

Rape Prevention Education's Dr Kim McGregor says his visit is "surprising and highly disappointing".

She says it's an ignorant decision from Immigration New Zealand, and shows a double standard.

"These rules are made for a reason, and it's concerning if we treat people with a high profile different to how we treat the rest of the public."
She says there will be uproar from survivors of sexual violence after Tyson's 1991 rape conviction of a Miss Black America competitor.

"Our sexual violence support phone lines are going to run hot."

Since retiring from professional boxing Tyson has sought to rehabilitate his bad-boy image, making cameo appearances in films like The Hangover and taking up a new career in racing pigeons.

RadioLIVE / 3 News

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Comments

26/09/2012 5:16:04 a.m.

Alan Beck wrote:

Mr Maessen: Yes, it is NZ law that criminals not be granted entry. It is also U.S law.

23/09/2012 5:34:41 a.m.

alison wrote:

Can the minister please explain why there has been a lapse in our border control? We cannot let others in with criminal convictions and i believe there is an inquiry at present into a chinese businessman so why is this any different?

21/09/2012 6:33:32 p.m.

Let the "CHANGED MAN" in!! wrote:

Good on the government.. let him in, hes striving to turn his life around and he has achieved that. As if anyone is perfect..

21/09/2012 1:05:51 p.m.

kelvyn wrote:

Once again I read that pathetic tag line here "he has done his time" Doing his time doesn’t take away the pain of his victim, that lasts a lifetime. Another example also of the people who administer these rules (this time Immigration NZ) being way out of step with public opinion. Maybe we need to look at some high level public service appointments being elected positions so we get a little more sensitivity to community feelings. How do we find out who the individual, the actual person is who signed his entry permit?

21/09/2012 9:36:30 a.m.

Christine wrote:

If it is going to be beneficial and help others like himself or those that have had problem as himself i say bring tyson in. Besides he has done the time and he can give some money to charity for his time and service.

21/09/2012 8:48:31 a.m.

Paul Maessen wrote:

Is there an immigration law that won't allow anyone with a criminal record into New Zealand? I had no idea New Zealand was such a utopia of goodness and virtue! Also, I had no idea that once you committed a crime it was standard policy that you were never allowed to travel anywhere ever again.