Name: Protect the Right to Protest
Start: 2025-03-19T17:30:00+11:00
Location: State Parliament of Victoria

The Victorian State Government is planning new laws to restrict protest, introduced under the cover of "social cohesion".
Measures proposed by Premier Jacinta Allan include:
• A ban on wearing masks, preventing protesters from being COVID safe or shielding themselves from police use of capsicum spray.
• Restrictions on symbols of resistance, including flags and tools such as locks, ropes, and glue, essential for peaceful civil disobedience.
• The requirement for multicultural orgs to sign a "social cohesion" pledge to receive public funding, forcing loyalty to government narratives.
• The creation of "safe zones" around religious buildings, putting significant areas of Melbourne's CBD off-limits for public assembly.
This legislation is a direct attack on democracy. It cynically targets pro- Palestine activism while threatening all movements that fight for justice, from First Nations' rights to environmental action, workers' unions, refugee rights and anti-war campaigns.
Across Australia, states have been introducing more and more repressive measures to stifle dissent. We must say no to this in Victoria.
Protest is a fundamental human right - a powerful voice of the people when other avenues fail. Join us to fight to defend it!