Minns Government Proposes Ban On Protests Outside Places Of Worship

The New South Wales government is proposing new legislation to address racial hatred that could see protests outside of places of worship criminalised.

This follows months of increased incidents of racism across the state, specifically arson attacks and antisemitic graffiti concentrated in Sydney.

“We have seen disgusting acts of racial hatred and antisemitism,” said Premier Chris Minns on Thursday morning. “These are strong new laws, and they need to be because these attacks have to stop.

“These laws have been drafted in response to the horrifying antisemitic violence in our community but it’s important to note that they will apply to anyone, preying on any person, of any religion.”

The Minns government discussed an extension of the hate speech and protest laws at a press conference only last month, with the Premier calling for “urgent” reform around protests outside of places of worship following a rally outside of the city’s Great Synagogue in December.

The proposed laws would see an expansion of the Crimes Act making it an offence to block access to a place of worship without reasonable excuse, as well as “harassing, intimidating or threatening” people accessing places of worship. The offence would carry a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment.

If the Minns government were to pass legislation prohibiting people from protesting outside of places of worship, it could make hosting a demonstration considerably more difficult for activists across a range of issues.

St Andrews Cathedral next to Town Hall has been the site of numerous protests over the years, including many instrumental rallies in support of same sex marriage, climate action, and First Nations justice.

Crack down on Nazi graffiti

Displays of Nazi symbols on or near a synagogue would become an offence under these laws, also carrying a maximum penalty of two years in prison. This involves an amendment to the Graffiti Control Act, which will see graffiti on a place of worship become an aggravated offence.

The laws come after synagogues in Kogarah and Newtown were both vandalised with swastikas on January 10 and 11, with an attempt being made to set the latter building on fire.

It could also become a criminal offence for intentionally inciting racial hatred, also carrying a proposed maximum penalty of two years imprisonment.

The state government also announced an increase of more than $500,000 in funding for the NSW Police Force Engagement and Hate Crime Unit, as well as training to support local governments in addressing the rise of hate crimes.

“The Minns Government is expanding the criminal law to send a clear message that inciting hatred is not just unacceptable, it will soon be criminal,” said Attorney General Michael Daley.

“The entire community will be safer as a direct result of these changes. The proposed changes will mean that divisive and hateful behaviours will not succeed in dividing our community.”