“Heckler’s Veto” – NYC Mayor Koch Bans Rugby Match by South African Team

On this day, New York City Mayor Ed Koch, fearing disturbances arising from anti-apartheid protests, cancelled a permit for a rugby match  involving a team from South Africa, which at the time still maintained its policy of apartheid.

There was a national and international movement to boycott South Africa-related events as a protest against its racial segregation policy of apartheid. Mayor Koch claimed that he cancelled the event out of fear of disturbances arising from local protests.

The New York Civil Liberties Union criticized Mayor Koch, arguing that he was yielding to a “heckler’s veto.”

Learn more: Brian Lapping, Apartheid: A History (1986)

Learn about the “heckler’s veto” from FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education)

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