The New South Wales government has announced plans to introduce fresh laws restricting protests outside places of worship, a month after the state's supreme court struck down similar legislation. Premier Chris Minns stated on Tuesday that the new bill would empower police to issue move-on orders to individuals who harass, block, or intimidate people from entering a place of worship.
The details of the legislation remain unclear, with the bill to be introduced next week. The original law, which allowed police to move on protesters 'in or near' a place of worship regardless of the protest's nature, was struck down for impermissibly burdening the freedom of political communication. The government aims to narrow the powers to avoid constitutional issues.
In response to a neo-Nazi rally outside parliament that called for the abolition of the 'Jewish Lobby', the government is also considering expanding the ban on Nazi symbols to include chants and slogans. The Hitler Youth chant 'blood and honour' was reportedly used at the rally, potentially leading to prison terms. Additionally, the government is looking into removing a sunset clause that would see a provision outlawing incitement of racial hatred expire in 2028.
Premier Minns challenged the Australian Federal Police's assertion that a caravan laden with explosives found in Dural was a hoax by organised crime, stating that such claims embolden extremists. Minns described Saturday's rally as 'divisive, bigoted, racist and antisemitic'. No charges have been laid, and a review is underway into communication failures regarding the rally.
