Pro-trans, women’s rights groups tipped to clash at rally at Parliament House

Authorities are bracing for violent scenes outside parliament on Saturday, with trans activists planning to disrupt a women’s rights rally.

Police are bracing for violence between rival protest groups which are set to face off outside state parliament on Saturday, with pro-trans activists expected to disrupt a rally “defending women’s sex based rights”.

Trans-rights activists plan to stage a counter protest against a “Women Will Speak” event — organised by Women’s Voices Australia — on the steps of parliament which will call for “women’s rights to single-sex change rooms and sporting competitions”.

WVA founder Jasmine Sussex said the Women Will Speak rally was about defending women with “sex realist beliefs, including that men can’t breastfeed” who have been silenced.

Counter protesters clash with police at a Women Will Speak rally in Melbourne last year. Picture: Tony Gough

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said weapons searches would be conducted in the area on Saturday.

“Victoria Police is well prepared for a planned rally at Parliament House on Saturday 26 April,” she said.

“We will have a visible presence to keep the peace and ensure the safety of the community.

“Police are also equipped to respond to a counter protest which is expected to occur simultaneously.

“Water filled barriers will also be placed in the area to assist police in keeping the peace.

“Victoria Police respects the right for people to protest lawfully however we expect that they do so peacefully without impacting the broader community.”

Police say they are bracing for violence between rival protest groups at this year’s rally. Picture: Tamati Smith

Posters for the “Trans Liberation Counter Protest” organised by trans activists called on people to “come counter the anti-trans rally.”

“We reject their oppressive ideology, we are taking to the streets to drown them out,” a counter protest poster says.

“We organise against the colonial-capitalist agenda, fascism, and trans liberalism alike, as all are killing us.”

A protester is arrested at the 2024 Women Will Speak rally Picture: Tony Gough

Pro-trans groups clashed with police and attendees at a Women Will Speak rally in March last year, with the counter protesters largely outnumbering those at the initial rally.

About 100 protesters were involved in the violent scenes last year.

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

Among those pepper sprayed by police as things turned ugly was Herald Sun photographer Tony Gough who was pushed over and sustained cuts to his face and legs.

The Herald Sun understands Victoria Police will conduct weapons searches outside Parliament House under the Control of Weapons Act.

Police will be granted powers to search people for weapons in the area. Picture: Tamati Smith

Police will be granted powers to search people for weapons in the area and request people remove any face coverings to “allow police to identify people more easily”.

Transit police conducted a similar search operation on Elizabeth St on Tuesday where two weapons — a flick knife and a kitchen knife — were seized.

Elizabeth St has long been criticised as being a crime riddled corner of Melbourne’s CBD.

Residents and businesses in the area continue to call on Lord Mayor Nick Reece to deliver on his promise to put 30 City Safety Officers, wearing stab-proof vests, on the beat to prevent camps of people sleeping rough and reduce anti-social behaviour

Earlier this year City of Melbourne announced its Local Law Officers — who work to address street begging in the city — would be accompanied by two security guards as part of a trial, which was extended to July.

Originally published as Pro-trans, women’s rights groups tipped to clash at rally at Parliament House