Women’s rights activists, pro-trans supporters face off in wild protest at Parliament House

Violence has erupted in Melbourne’s CBD after women’s rights protesters and pro-trans activists clashed in wild scenes, with demonstrators brawling and throwing punches as police pepper-sprayed the crowd.

Melbourne’s CBD was plunged into lawless chaos as hundreds of activists brawled on major city streets moments after police deployed pepper spray upon unruly crowds on Saturday.

A group of more than 200 activists marched through the CBD as they protested against a right-wing women’s group who had earlier staged a rally at Parliament House.

But the larger group’s messaging quickly shifted toward their hatred for the police force as they blocked trams, cars, buses and pedestrians from moving through the city in the afternoon.

Police pepper-sprayed several activists who tried to intimidate them and four officers were injured in the chaos.

Police pepper spray the crowd after violence erupts. Picture: Josie Hayden

Pro-trans supporters clash with police in wild scenes in Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A protester is dragged away by police as pro-trans activists continue to rally in the distance. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

One person was crash-tackled to the ground at a Swanston St tram stop before they were placed in handcuffs.

Another militant activist intentionally blocked a young driver’s car at a city intersection, leaving her stranded.

The innocent female P-Plater was reduced to tears as she became stuck in the CBD.

But as the vocal pro-trans group continued marching through the city, the officers, at some point in the afternoon, dropped the ball and were nowhere to be seen.

The uncontrolled and extremely dangerous scenario saw several violent brawls unfold on the streets in front of innocent city goers near the State Library.

One woman was seen and heard abusing the masses as she accused them of stalling her tram before she began punching on with several members of the larger group.

Members of Victoria Police block off Parliament House as two opposing groups prepare to rally. Picture: Diego Fedele

A small group of young men then yelled “f--k trans rights” before they too began brawling with the riled-up crowd about 4pm.

Several media reporters were forced to call triple-0 after a man was floored by a vicious punch to the head.

The force on Saturday night said their members were subjected to a torrent of abuse and had “zero tolerance” for those committing acts of violence.

Vocal pro-trans activists hurled abuse at police. Picture: Regan Hodge

Members of Victoria Police search pro-trans activists. Picture: Diego Fedele

Police officers try to keep the groups separate with barriers outside Parliament House. Picture: Diego Fedele

They arrested two people and conducted 38 weapons searches throughout the afternoon.

“Police were required to form multiple lines between the groups as some of the protesters threw missiles at police,” a statement read.

“Around 40 people then conducted a march across the CBD blocking intersections with wooden pallets and swarming local retailers.

“Victoria Police respects the right for people to protest peacefully, however we have zero tolerance for those who threaten the safety of the community and police.”

The protest spills on to Swanston St. Picture: Regan Hodge

The rally flows from Parliament House to nearby city streets. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The ugly violence followed a rally held by the right-wing Women’s Voices Australia group held near the steps of parliament on Saturday morning.

There were up to 150 supporters in attendance as former Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick became involved in a scuffle with the same crowd on Spring St.

Huge water barriers and police horses blocked that group from the larger opposing group.

Pro-trans activists flooded Melbourne Central on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Bystanders called Triple-0 to alert police of the growing violence. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Protesters cover their faces during the rally. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A demonstrator sets fire to an Australian flag at a pro-trans rally outside Parliament House. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A pro-trans activist is searched. Picture: Diego Fedele

Peo-trans activists shouted ‘we all hate cops’ during the protest. Picture: NewsWire

Dozens of police flock to Parliament House to mitigate the two opposing protests on Saturday morning. Picture: Regan Hodge

Police succeeded in keeping the groups more than 100m from each other at all times.

The Women Will Speak event originally planned to call for “women’s rights to single-sex change rooms and sporting competitions”.

But the trans-rights activists slammed it as an “anti-trans rally” and staged their counter-protest to “reject their oppressive ideology”.

Originally published as Women’s rights activists, pro-trans supporters face off in wild protest at Parliament House