Australian court rules pope protest laws 'unconstitutional'
Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 7:44 (BST)
Anti-protest laws imposed for Pope Benedict's visit to Sydney this week, which could see protesters arrested for annoying Catholic pilgrims, were unconstitutional, a court ruled on Tuesday.
Under the laws, protesters could be arrested or fined A$5,500 (around £2,700) for wearing anti-Catholic T-shirts or for handing out condoms in protest at Church doctrine on sex and marriage.
Civil liberties leaders said the laws stifled freedom of speech and were open to abuse by police who were mounting an Olympic-style security operation for the papal visit.
The Federal Court in Sydney ruled on Tuesday that the law relating to annoying and inconveniencing pilgrims went beyond the intention of the local state parliament.
"We now have a lot more confidence to take to the streets to condem Pope Benedict's policies against condom use, against contraception, against homosexuality," said Rachel Evans from the "No Pope" group which challenged the laws.
"We are glad the court has ruled that we do have the freedom of expression to communicate our political views on Saturday."
Evans said "No Pope" protesters welcomed young Catholics in Sydney, but would hand them coathangers to protest against backyard abortions, condoms to promote safe sex, and stickers with gay themes to promote the rights of homosexuals.
The anti-protest laws have acted as a lightning rod for various protest groups which plan to rally on Saturday as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims march to a papal vigil.
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Added: Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 12:13 (BST)
The Court did NOT rule that the laws werer 'unconstitutional'. What is said was that, because it restricted freedom of expression, the regulation made by a New South Wales Government Minister to prohibit people from annoying behaviour at WYD events exceeded the authority given to him by the state Parliament under the World Youth Day Act 2006
Brian, Canberra, Australia
Added: Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 10:33 (BST)
I admire those groups working for GLBT, also those online services like the one BiLoves. Many of my friends there have spent their careers working for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. I think they are really very great.
Bessica, New York, U.S.
