In recent years, New South Wales has cracked down the right to peaceful protest.
The current attempt to further restrict the right to protest in NSW, is the second time in three months the government has cracked down the right to peaceful protest.
The proposed laws would mean that NSW Police could issue move-on orders to protestors near places of worship, without needing to provide any reasoning. While this may sound like a positive step at first glance, there are extremely worrying consequences.
There are 30 places of worship in Sydney’s CBD – if these laws pass, this could stop students protesting climate inaction at Town Hall, or survivors of sex abuse from protesting the Catholic church outside St Mary’s Cathedral.
Protestors could also face a $22,000 fine or 2 years in prison for conduct near places of worship that could be perceived as harassment. Harassment could mean chanting or holding a placard.
These laws also make vilification a criminal offence, but only for intentionally inciting racial hatred. Amnesty is calling on the NSW government to expand the vilification provision so more people, including LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities, can be protected from vilification.
There is no evidence that antisemitic attacks in NSW have any connections to peaceful protests. The government should take action to address antisemitic attacks and racism, so people can practice their faith free from violence and live free from discrimination. They won’t achieve this by repressing people’s right to peaceful protest.
Now, more than ever, we need to protect our right to peaceful protest. History has shown us that protest is powerful. When passionate and courageous people take action, they make the world a better place. This crackdown means all our ability to fight for human rights and combat the climate crisis are under threat.
Take action and ask Premier Chris Minns to address antisemitic attacks and racism, and to respect and protest people’s human right to protest.