The Minns Labor Government will consider reforms to laws regulating protests outside religious institutions and places of worship that aim to intimidate or prevent religious people from practicing their faith in NSW, to prevent the scenes of division seen outside the Great Synagogue of last week.
Everyone has a right to gather at mosques, churches, synagogues, and places of worship to participate in their faith free from intimidation.
And while everyone has the right to protest peacefully in NSW, the right to peaceful assembly does not permit or excuse the intimidation or vilification of people based on their faith or religion.
There have been too many instances across the country in recent times, where places of worship have been the target of protests.
Protesting outside places of religious worship is inflammatory and provocative.
Freedom of religious expression is critical to what makes Australia and NSW a free and democratic society.
NSW must strike the right balance between religious freedoms and the right to protest in the interests of community harmony.
We celebrate being a multicultural, multi-faith nation as we should, and nowhere more so than NSW, where we are an example to the world of how we can live together, as one people despite our differences.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“I’ve asked the Attorney General and The Cabinet Office to look at ways we can better protect places of worship from protests and provide reform options to Government.”
“I am horrified by the attack at the Addas Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, and the recent sight of protests out the front of a religious institution.
“Being heckled on the way in to observe your faith is not consistent with the principles of a multi-cultural, multi-faith community where all are protected by law from someone stopping them from prayer.
“Holding the line isn’t enough. We have to go further and ensure that people’s rights to religious freedom of expression and worship is protected.”
Attorney General Michael Daley said:
“Religious freedom is the bedrock of our multicultural state. People have the right to feel safe in their own city, in their own churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship.”
“While we respect the right to protest we want to send a clear message that it should not be impinging on people gathering freely with their chosen faith community.”
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“Our multicultural and multifaith society is one of our state’s greatest achievements, but it can’t be taken for granted. It requires constant vigilance and work to ensure harmony is maintained.
“Whilst the majority of citizens are united in our ability to empathise and to learn from the many cultures that make up our great state, unfortunately, we have seen a rise in Anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents.
“The announcement today to explore legislative or regulatory reform is a logical next step to ensure all faith communities in our state have the protection required to practice freedom of religion.”
