More than 1000 people rallied outside Parliament House on March 19 to oppose Victorian Labor’s proposed anti-protest laws.
The protest was organised by the Defend Dissent Coalition, a collective of groups opposing the anti-protest laws, including environmental justice and Palestine solidarity activists. It was endorsed by more than 40 groups.
The laws include restrictions on holding protests around places of religious worship, display of “prohibited flags” and a ban on the wearing of face masks. Similar anti-protest laws were introduced in NSW in February.
The rally was addressed by Victorian Greens MLA Gabrielle De Vietri, independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, Palestinian activist Amin Abbas jnr, Victorian Socialists senate candidate Jordan Van Den Lamb and Rathy Barthlote, from Refugee Women Action for Visa Equality.
Thorpe condemned the laws, stating that they will be used to marginalise “black and brown people”.
Barthlote said the government is attempting to stifle dissent. “They targeted refugees, tomorrow they will target students, workers and activists, anyone who dares to challenge the government.”
Van Den Lamb said “it doesn’t matter” if they make protest illegal, because “we will keep protesting”.
Australian Services Union organiser Kristy Lee Tyrell said the laws should be “defied”. “There has been no community consultation.”
After the speakers, the protesters marched to the Victorian Trades Hall.