Myer has canceled its tradition of unveiling its Christmas displays in the Melbourne CBD due to safety concerns. The department store had been hosting the displays for almost 70 years.
The event, which had been a tradition for many years, attracted hundreds of families to the store to see the display.
It also attracted around two million people to the area to watch the presentation. Unfortunately, the department store decided to call off the event.
On Sunday, a pro-Palestine group called Disrupt Wars plans to hold a rally at the Bourke St location of Myer.
The group stated that the department store’s decision to cancel its Christmas display is a slap in the face to the people of Gaza.
In response, the group Disrupt Wars called on its followers to attend a rally to protest against the “capitalist machine.” They urged people to bring props and noisemakers and banners.
Myer, on the other hand, stated that the safety of its customers was its main concern.
In a statement, Myer explained that it decided to cancel the event due to the safety concerns of its customers and team members.
The department store noted that its Christmas displays have been associated with the community for a long time. In response to the group’s actions, Ms Allan said she was “furious” at the people behind the protest.
She stated that the blockade won’t change anything in the Middle East but will let down the kids in Melbourne.
According to the Premier, people have the right to demonstrate but they should also refrain from division. She advocated for new legislation that would put an end to the practice of hate speech and vilification.
Ms Allan noted that the government had been working on the legislation and it would be introduced to Parliament this month.
She vowed to do everything in her power to make sure that hate speech and division do not infiltrate the state. Myer also stated that its Christmas display would still go on as planned.