Melbourne’s central business district was rocked by violent confrontations on Saturday morning as police clashed with counter-protesters during a rally organized by Women’s Voices Australia. The rally, titled Women Will Speak, was held on the steps of the Victorian Parliament and drew around 120 participants advocating for the protection of sex-based rights.
The demonstration was met with opposition from approximately 80 counter-protesters, many dressed in black and wearing face coverings. Tensions escalated on Russell Street, where police deployed OC spray and water-filled barricades to separate the groups. Officers conducted around 145 searches and issued directives for individuals to remove face coverings under designated area powers.
Four people were arrested during the unrest. Among them was a 21-year-old man accused of striking a police officer with an umbrella. A 19-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were detained for allegedly possessing flares, while a 33-year-old man was arrested for failing to comply with police orders. Three officers sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization.
The rally’s organizers had called on the Victorian government to stop conflating sex and gender identity in policy and law. Jasmine Sussex, a spokesperson for Women’s Voices Australia, stated that the group aimed to defend women’s sex-based rights and freedom of speech.
Police had anticipated potential disruptions and declared the CBD a designated area, allowing them to conduct random searches and enforce public safety measures. The heavy police presence included riot units and mounted officers, deployed to prevent a repeat of previous clashes during similar protests earlier in the year.
The protest unfolded against the backdrop of Victoria’s new anti-vilification laws, which aim to protect LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities from hate speech. The legislation has sparked debate among advocacy groups, with some arguing it threatens freedom of expression and women’s rights.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and monitor potential future demonstrations as tensions remain high around issues of gender identity, free speech, and public safety.
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