Liberty Victoria Warns Against Introducing Protest Permits

Liberty Victoria condemns the recent attack on the Addis Israel synagogue. Attacks based in antisemitism - or any kind of religious hatred or racism - are unacceptable. We acknowledge the fear felt by members of the Jewish community in the wake of this attack.

Liberty Victoria is concerned, though, to see the Premier and others cite the attacks as a justification for further limits on the right to protest in Victoria.

There is no evidence, nor even any credible suggestion, that the attack occurred as a result of any protest, either outside a place of worship or otherwise.

Liberty Victoria therefore strongly opposes any restrictions on the right to protest in purported response to last week’s attack. Peaceful protest is a fundamentally important part of a healthy democracy. Restricting it does not protect our community it diminishes it.

We call on the Allan Government to respect and protect the right of peaceful protest in Victoria.