The New South Wales government is pushing forward with revised anti-protest legislation targeting disruptions at places of worship, just one month after the state's Supreme Court struck down the original laws as unconstitutional.
Government Responds to Court Ruling
The Minns Government confirmed it will introduce an updated Bill to parliament on Tuesday, seeking to restore police powers to move on protesters who block, harass or intimidate people attending religious services. This comes after Supreme Court Justice Anna Mitchelmore ruled in mid-October that the original laws were invalid and went "beyond what is necessary" for protecting worshippers.
Attorney General Michael Daley emphasised the government's commitment to finding the right balance. "It is not acceptable that someone is harassed or intimidated simply for attending their church, synagogue, temple or mosque," Mr Daley stated.
Neo-Nazi Protest Prompted Original Laws
The legislation forms part of the state government's response to a disturbing neo-Nazi protest where 60 black-clad demonstrators assembled outside NSW parliament shouting racist chants. The original laws were first rushed through parliament in February following a series of anti-Semitic graffiti and arson incidents across Sydney and Melbourne.
However, the legislation faced immediate legal challenges. Palestine Action Group activist Josh Lees successfully argued in court that giving police bolstered powers was unconstitutional and would have a chilling effect on legitimate protesting.
Balancing Religious Protection and Protest Rights
The government claims the amended Bill now properly balances community protection with freedom of political expression. "We are ensuring the NSW Police Force retains appropriate move on powers," Mr Daley explained. "This change strikes the right balance between protecting the community and the right to protest."
The revised legislation will confirm police authority to move on protesters who affect someone's ability to enter or leave their place of worship. The Minns government says it's "acting quickly" with the quick turnaround of amendments from last month's failed bid to ensure police can continue using move-on powers to protect individuals accessing religious services.
The announcement comes only a day after a South African neo-Nazi had their visa cancelled and faced deportation from Australia, highlighting ongoing concerns about extremist activities in the country.
