An anti-hate speech activist says Irish anti-transgender activist Graham Linehan’s upcoming New Zealand tour helps ensure hate speech and transphobia are platformed.

The TV comedy writer – best known for Father Ted and The IT Crowd – is visiting Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, for a book tour organised by the Free Speech Union (FSU).

He also claims he lost his wife, family and work since engaging in anti-transgender activism – including likening the use of puberty blockers to Nazi eugenics, lobbying for the reversal of a £500,000 ($1 million) grant for British trans-children charity Mermaids, and calling actor David Tennant an “abusive groomer” for wearing a T-shirt supporting trans-children.

Anti-hate speech campaigner Paul Thistoll told Newstalk ZB Linehan’s views deny transgender people the right to exist harmoniously in society, and easily rise to levels of hate speech that the FSU ensures to platform.

“Recently their transphobia has become much more intense, and they seem to be solely about defending the rights of people to say transphobic comments.”

But FSU chief executive Jonathan Ayling said there is still a lot of enthusiasm to hear him speak, with all venues almost all sold out.

“We don’t often get access to writers of this calibre, and he has a very unique perspective to contribute to a very important conversation that’s happening right now.”

However, one Facebook commenter on the FSU’s announcement questioned whether or not Linehan has been cancelled, given he still has a book and public speaking tour.

“Freedom of speech is not the same as freedom of consequences. Ricky Gervais is raking in big money and awards with comedy that targets the trans community.

“The idea that this group is genuinely about freedom of speech is laughable. You just don’t like it when others find your opinions distasteful and in many cases want to actively silence folks like trans activists or anyone else you consider ‘too woke’.”

Thistoll said the FSU don’t believe in freedom of consequences.

“They do not believe that there should be consequences for transphobic hate speech…and he hasn’t been cancelled. He’s getting paid a lot of money to come to New Zealand for a transphobic speaking tour.”

But Ayling said they’re also prepared for any disruptions to their events.

“For the most part, I have trust that Kiwis are willing to let others whom they might disagree with speak openly and then challenge their ideas, but still give them a chance to say their piece.”

However, there are signs the venues are hesitant, with the FSU having to book a third Wellington venue for March 14.

First venue The Thistle Inn told Newstalk ZB they had a booking for that day, but with no name attached to it, and cancelled upon learning who it was for.

A week out from the tour, replacement venue Prefab Hall cancelled, forcing the FSU to rebook for Lower Hutt Event Centre.

While Thistoll believes the FSU moved venues due to capacity constraints – FSU chief executive Jonathan Ayling maintains they actually changed because of audio-visual requirements, but he’s had no issues with Auckland and Christchurch venues.

All venues have been approached for comment.