Chaos as protesters clash at parliament
A group of women's rights demonstrators and pro-trans counter-protesters have clashed in a protest that turned violent in Melbourne's CBD.
A 'Women Will Speak' event was organised by Women's Voices Australia, and was criticised by counter-protesters as an anti transgender rally.
Almost 100 police officers were granted extra powers under the Control of Weapons Act to try to defuse the situation, and conduct weapons searches.
Spring Street is closed to traffic between the Princess Theatre and the Old Treasury Building.
Victoria Police told NewsWire, they will not be commenting on the situation until later in the evening. Pro-trans activists gather along Spring Street. NewsWire / Diego Fedele Credit: News Corp Australia Members of Victoria Police search pro-trans activists. NewsWire / Diego Fedele Credit: News Corp Australia
The 'Women will speak' event on the steps of parliament, is calling for 'women's rights to single-sex change rooms and sporting competitions'.
Meanwhile, a social media page 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 post said.
'We organise against the colonial-capitalist agenda, fascism, and trans liberalism alike, as all are killing us.'
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