The Minns Labor Government has passed legislation ensuring people can continue attending their places of worship without being blocked, harassed or intimidated.
Legislation passed NSW Parliament on Thursday afternoon confirming police have the power to move on protesters who affect someone’s ability to enter or leave their place of worship.
No one deserves to be blocked, harassed or intimidated while trying to attend their church, synagogue, temple or mosque.
The change follows a recent Supreme Court decision affecting the move on powers.
Importantly, this decision did not affect the offence of intentionally blocking, impeding, harassing, intimidating, or threatening a person accessing a place of worship.
The Government has acted quickly to ensure police can still use move on powers to protect individuals trying to access their place of worship.
These amendments balance community protection with the freedom of political expression.
They are complemented by the suite of legislation the Government has introduced to protect the community from racial hatred, intimidation and harassment.
“No one should be harassed or intimidated trying to attend their church, synagogue, temple or mosque. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and has no place in NSW,” Attorney General Michael Daley said.
“Following the decision of the Supreme Court, we have reintroduced a move on power which balances community protection and the right to protest.
“The Government has acted quickly to ensure NSW Police retains appropriate powers to move on protesters who affect someone’s ability to access or leave their place of worship.”
