Lidia Thorpe clashes with police at Canberra anti-trans rally
Dramatic scenes have occurred outside Parliament House after independent senator Lidia Thorpe clashed with police at an Anti-Trans rally
Canberra Star
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Dramatic scenes have unfolded at the lawns of Parliament House after police clashed with independent senator Lidia Thorpe who attempted to oppose an anti-trans rally.
The “Let women speak” anti-trans rally was held by UK Activist Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker, at midday outside Parliament House.
The controversial rally also attracted a larger counter protest by the trans community and supporters.
Footage depicts police pushing Ms Thorpe, seen having a disagreement with supporters of Ms Keen, to the ground.
Ms Thorpe was seen crawling on the ground while holding onto an Indigenous flag, and then seen crying rushing towards the counter protest.
In a statement the Australian Federal Police said they were “aware of a matter relating to protests near Australian Parliament House”.
“The interactions between the AFP and protesters will be reviewed, and an incident has been referred to the AFP’s Professional Standards Command,” the statement said.
“Given a matter is now under investigation, no further comments will be made.”
Ms Keen has been in the centre of controversy after Nazis attended a rally she ran in Melbourne over the weekend.
During a rally she ran in Hobart earlier this week she and her supporters were vastly outnumbered by counter-protesters.
On Thursday morning ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr shared a “We are CBR” graphic with the colours of the transgender pride flag.
Mr Barr said the ACT Government “supports the realisation of LGBTIQ+ equality as part of our broader commitment to social inclusion and equality”.
“The right to equality is enshrined in the ACT’s own Human Rights Act 2004, which we are proud to have been the first jurisdiction in Australia to enact,” he said.
The ACT Govt supports the realisation of LGBTIQ+ equality as part of our broader commitment to social inclusion and equality. The right to equality is enshrined in the ACT’s own Human Rights Act 2004, which we are proud to have been the first jurisdiction in Australia to enact. pic.twitter.com/Kyhotdo6kT
— Andrew Barr MLA (@ABarrMLA) March 22, 2023
“Far-right campaigners who promote social exclusion and inequality will find little support in Canberra.”
On Twitter Greens MLA Johnathan Davis said “Canberra is and will continue to be a safe home for transgender, gender diverse (and) non-binary people” and advertised a counter protest.
“Canberra rejects transphobia, Canberra rejects hate speech, Canberra rejects far-right extremists,” Mr Davis said.
“Canberra embraces diversity, Canberra celebrates inclusion.”
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