Melbourne Protest Turns Violent as Police Clash with Transgender Activists
A tense stand-off between police and transgender activists in Melbourne’s CBD turned violent on Saturday, leaving three police officers injured and four protesters arrested.
The disturbance occurred ahead of a women’s rights rally, “Women Will Speak,” at Parliament House, where attendees were protesting against what they see as the erosion of women’s rights in the face of gender identity claims.
Police Deploy OC Spray as Counter-Protesters Clash
Footage showed a group of pro-transgender activists, dressed in black and wearing face coverings, scuffling with police on Spring St during a march from Carlton Gardens.
The officers deployed OC spray in an attempt to control the situation, resulting in injuries to three police officers, none of whom required hospitalisation.
Women’s Rights Rally Proceeds Despite Chaos
Despite the violence, the “Women Will Speak” rally went ahead, with speakers decrying Victoria’s anti-vilification laws and political leadership.
Attendees claimed that the laws would lead to the erosion of women’s rights and allow men convicted of violent sexual crimes to be placed in women’s prisons.
Women Will Speak leader Jasmine Sussex stated that the rally was not anti-trans, but rather focused on protecting women’s rights.
“When you say gender ID is more important than sex in policy and law, it has catastrophic impacts for women and girls across society,” she said.
Police and Organisers Work to Maintain Order
Victoria Police deployed a range of units, including the Public Order Response Team, Mounted Branch, and Highway Patrol, to maintain order during the protest.
The police also set up water barriers to protect the speakers and attendees.
In a statement, the police said, “Our top priority was keeping the peace and ensuring the safety of those attending and the broader community.”