New Zealand lawmakers on Tuesday passed a controversial new law aimed at stopping online bullying, but opponents warned it has the potential to stifle free speech and suppress journalism.The Harmful Digital Communications Bill, which passed with overwhelming cross-party support, introduced measures to address damaging electronic communications spread through methods such as e-mails, texts and social media posts, said Justice Minister Amy Adams.

The law changes would prevent and reduce the potentially devastating harm caused by cyberbullying and other modern forms of harassment and intimidation, Adams said in a statement.

"In recent years, we've seen a number of alarming incidents that have highlighted the need for legislation to deal with perpetrators who use the Internet in ways that traumatize victims, " said Adams.

"Under existing laws, trying to remove abusive, intimidating and distressing material from the Internet can be difficult, drawn out and costly, and there are few sanctions available to aid such efforts and to hold offenders to account," she said.

The new measures would simplify the process for getting harmful communications off the Internet quickly and effectively, while still respecting free speech rights, she said.

The new law would make it an offense to send messages and post material online that "deliberately causes serious emotional distress," and would give local courts the power to issue take- down notices and impose penalties, she said.

The opposition Green Party allowed its caucus to have a split vote, with some opposing the bill.

"This legislation has received strong support from organizations such as the Human Rights Commission," Green Party Co- leader Metiria Turei said in a statement.

"However, there have been strong submissions from media organizations who are concerned that this legislation may have a chilling effect upon freedom of speech."