In response to the New South Wales Iemma administration’s attack on civil liberties, human rights and free speech in the context of Catholic World Youth Day, potential protagonists remain defiant.

Predictably, the Chaser boys remain their usual irreverent and rowdy selves, and their spokesperson, Julian Morrow, agreed with those who wanted the legislation repealed, and urged civil disobedience as a consquence.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione defended the extra police powers granted, saying that they were neccessary to control events on the same scale as large sports and entertainment events, and that such conduct wouldn’t be tolerated at an AFL or NRL game. Given how seriously Melburnians take their AFL, I think that’s a poor example- vigorous dissent usually occurs if one’s favoured team loses, in my own experience as a spectator.

The NSW Bar Association pointed out that such activities as the Rugby World Cup and Sydney LGBT Mardi Gras didn’t request or require such blatant attacks on free speech and meaningful religious and philosophical freedom.

Absurdly, even groups that represent victims of Catholic clergy paedophilia have had these sanctions placed on them, if they decide to protest against the extravaganza, according to the Broken Rites support network for survivors of such child sexual abuse, who have been contacted about what is ‘permissible.’ Broken Rites members are angered at this latest instance of stonewalling and suppression of critical debate about the abuse of clerical authority, which sadly, they are not unfamiliar with. Shamefully, the Australian Catholic Bishops have made no response to Broken Rites’ requests for parish in solidarity with those who have so suffered. If abuse victims rights proponents wanted to protest, they would have to submit their prior details to the police, as protest without police ‘clearance’ is illegal.

However, the No to Pope Coalition is unfazed by this, and has said that it definitely intends to still hand out condoms and stand up for civil liberties and reproductive and sexual health during the next month.

Recommended:

Jono and Joel Gibson and Linda Morris: “Protests Need Our Blessing, Say Police” Sydney Morning Herald: 02.07.08: http://www.smh.com.au

“Chaser Boys Laugh Off WYD Rules” Daily Telegraph: 01.07.08: http://www.news.com.au

“Youth Day Police Powers Defended” Daily Telegraph: 01.07.08: http://www.news.com.au

Annabel Stafford: “Police Tell Victims Groups How to Protest” Melboune Age: 02.07.08: http://www.theage.com.au