Violence erupts as transgender rights activists attempt to break through police

Rally organisers could be forced to get permits to protest, after violence erupted at yet another Melbourne demonstration that saw pro-transgender counter protesters clash with police.

Police are seeking new rules to crackdown on unruly protesters, which could force rally organisers to apply for a permit to protest.

Police are concerned about how often protests are being held and the disruption they are having on the community and police resources

The Herald Sun can reveal that Victoria Police has contacted Police Minister Anthony Carbines about the introduction of a permit system which has already been introduced in New South Wales and could stop continual protests about the same issue.

Since October 8, about 7500 police shifts have been needed to cover 315 protests surrounding the Middle East conflict alone.

The moves comes as violence broke out at a rally in Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday, where pro-transgender counter protesters clashed with frontline police and other activists.

Now: Police have deployed capsicum spray and pinned trans rights activists at a protest outside parliament.

In the process, a news photographer has been pushed to the ground and been capsicum sprayed. pic.twitter.com/Gh5x7jJVUZ

— Mitch Clarke (@96mitchclarke) March 23, 2024

The violence was sparked after transgender rights activists allegedly tried to break a police line to get closer to a women’s rights demonstration on the steps of parliament.

Two women were arrested, and are expected to be charged on summons.

Police said they were left “disappointed” at the behaviour from some of the approximately 100 protesters who rocked up.

Herald Sun photographer Tony Gough was injured after he was pushed to the ground and pepper sprayed during the scuffle. He sustained cuts to his face and legs.

“Our members were confronted by hostile members of the crowd who acted out violently towards police,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

“We have a long history of supporting peaceful protest but will not tolerate disgraceful and unlawful behaviour.”

On Saturday, the violence spilt on to Spring St, disturbing dozens of people sitting outside the popular Cricketers Bar.

A protester at Saturday’s rally. Picture: Tony Gough

Women’s Action Group co-founder Michelle Uriarau, who spoke at the #WomenWillSpeak rally, said the action aimed to highlight their concerns about women’s rights and gender-transitioning medicine.

“Wherever we speak publicly, there is always an attempt to silence us,” she said.

In New South Wales, rally organisers must obtain a permit from police before staging their protest.

The Herald Sun understands the Allan government is yet to form a position on Victoria Police’s request for a similar measure, but a government spokeswoman said there are no current plans for protest permits.

“We will continue to consider any reasonable requests from Victoria Police for additional tools and resources,” she said.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto said Victoria’s move-on laws, which he claims were “watered-down by Labor” and have left police hamstrung, need to be strengthened.

Trans rights activists have clashed with a man - this happening in front of people trying to enjoy a meal pic.twitter.com/mkOGSNgaut

— Mitch Clarke (@96mitchclarke) March 23, 2024

“Under a Pesutto government, the Attorney-General would play a much more active role in working through the courts to resolve protests that jeopardise community safety or the rights of others,” he said.

In Victoria, police can tell a person to move on if they are putting someone in danger or doing something that is likely to hurt someone or damage property.

Earlier this month, Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton described Melbourne as the “protest capital of Australia, if not internationally”.

A violent brawl erupted in front of dozens of people sitting outside a popular Spring St pub. Picture: Mitch Clark

Police apprehend a protester during Saturday’s rally. Picture: Tony Gough