NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner condemns unauthorised anti-trans protest in Darwin CBD
NT's discrimination watchdog has condemned an unauthorised anti-trans protest in Darwin CBD, calling for police investigation into the ‘distressing’ event.
The Northern Territory discrimination watchdog has criticised a transphobic protest in Darwin CBD, calling on the police and council to investigate the unauthorised and “distressing” event.
One eyewitness described the protest as three women stationed at the intersection of Knuckey and Cavenagh streets around 7.30am on Friday, displaying signs with anti-trans messages.
The protest centred on the Giggle v Tickle Federal Court case, in which a transgender woman sued after being kicked off a social media app for women.
In a statement the NT Anti-Discrimination Commission strongly condemned the protest, which it said also involved the use of loudspeakers to broadcast messages targeting transgender people.
“The conduct caused significant distress to members of the community,” Commissioner Jeswynn Yogaratnam said in a statement.
Mr Yogaratnam said the incident raised serious concerns under the NT Anti-Discrimination Act.
“Public acts that attempt to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or a group of people impact community safety,” he said.
“These microaggressions if not addressed can build up to serious harm to the community.
“This type of conduct not only undermines the safety and dignity of transgender Territorians, it risks breaching the law. It requires further investigation by City of Darwin and NT Police.”
The ADC said it consulted with City of Darwin and confirmed no permit of licence was issued for the protest, and it could therefore have been in breach of council by-laws relating to unauthorised use of public space.
Top End Pride chair Becky Tidman said “every Territorian, including our transgender community, deserves to go about their daily life free from harassment or confrontation”.
“It’s incredibly frustrating and disheartening that in 2025 we’re still seeing repeated acts of transphobia,” she said.
“We are grateful to the community members who have lodged formal complaints. Your actions matter, and you have our full support.”
Ms Tidman expressed concerns that recent proposed changes to the Territory’s anti-discrimination laws were emboldening some people to “act out publicly in targeted, insulting, and damaging ways”, and called on the government to ensure legislation protected all Territorians.
NT Police were contacted for comment, and City of Darwin declined to comment.
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