Key Factors
- NSW Police have confirmed an unauthorised protest took positioned in Newtown on Friday night time.
- Movies circulating on-line present a bunch of largely males reciting Hail Mary and the Lord’s Prayer.
- Newtown is one among Sydney’s LGBTIQ+ hubs, and has hosted a sequence of occasions for World Delight.
NSW Police have confirmed an unauthorised protest befell on the streets of Newtown on Friday night time, after movies circulated on-line displaying a bunch of males strolling by way of the streets reciting the Lord’s Prayer and Hail Mary.
It comes as Sydney marks the second weekend of WorldPride, which celebrates the queer group on a global degree by way of parades, festivals and different cultural actions.
Newtown is one among Sydney’s most distinguished LGBTIQ+ hubs, with the interior west suburb internet hosting a sequence of Delight occasions all through the month.
NSW Police confirmed the protest befell, however didn’t touch upon whether or not it was anti-LGBTIQ+ in nature.
“About 8pm this night (Friday 3 March 2023), officers hooked up to Interior West Police Space Command, together with specialist police assets attended King Avenue, Newtown, in relation to unauthorised protest exercise,” NSW Police stated in an announcement.
“Police spoke with a bunch of about 30 individuals who marched alongside the footpath on King Avenue, Newtown, earlier than dispersing simply earlier than 9 pm.
Jenny Leong, Member for Newtown, described the scenes as “disgraceful”, and claimed the protesters have been a part of a Christian Lives Matter group.
“Disgraceful scenes on King Avenue and Enmore Rd final night time,” she wrote on Twitter.
“Our Newtown group wears with delight our range – and we rejoice distinction. Fascism shouldn’t be welcome on our streets. There is no such thing as a place for aggressive, threatening and violent acts of discrimination and hatred.”
NSW Police stated they may not touch upon the character of the group.
“Whereas we can’t touch upon particular people, or teams, the group will be assured we proceed to watch actions and can take motion the place acceptable.”
Charlie Bakhos, who runs the Christian Lives Matter group, additionally shared footage of the group on social media.
“Large turnout with the boys praying highly effective rosary in Newtown tonight,” he wrote on Instagram.
On Saturday, he additionally shared footage of a “rosary campaign” outdoors St Mary’s Cathedral, and stated “400 plus” males had proven up.
“The persecution of our religion is uniting so many to show to prayer and unity towards this agenda,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Let’s proceed praying for Australia and conversion of misplaced souls.”
He later stated he had not organised the protest and was not in attendance.
LGBTIQ+ Australians searching for assist with psychological well being can contact QLife on 1800 184 527 or go to . additionally has a listing of assist companies.
Intersex Australians searching for assist can go to Intersex Peer Assist Australia at isupport.org.au.