Melbourne protests over women's, trans rights erupt in violence; two arrested
The unrest stemmed from a rally organised by Women's Voices Australia on the steps of Parliament House, where about 50 supporters gathered for the 'Women Will Speak' event, advocating for women's rights to single-sex change rooms and sporting competitions.
Organisers of the rally said proposed government plans to expand Victoria's hate speech laws to include the LGBTQIA+ community posed a threat to freedom of speech.
The event quickly drew backlash from trans-rights activists, who labelled it an 'anti-trans rally' and mobilised a counter-protest under the banner 'Trans Liberation Counter Protest' which drew about 440 protesters, according to Victoria Police.
The protests also featured anti-police sentiment, with demonstrators holding signs that read 'VicPol protects NAZIS' and 'Cops kill queers'.
Victoria Police, who had invoked special powers under the Control of Weapons Act to search for weapons, deployed almost 100 officers to the scene.
Spring St was closed to traffic between the Princess Theatre and the Old Treasury Building during the demonstration.
Despite early efforts to separate the groups, tensions spilt into the surrounding streets.
Hundreds of activists from the counter-protest marched through the CBD, blocking intersections, trams, and cars.
Police were forced to deploy pepper spray after facing missiles thrown by protesters, and several violent brawls broke out near the State Library.
One woman reportedly began punching members of the crowd after her tram was blocked, while elsewhere, a small group of young men yelling anti-trans slurs became embroiled in further fights.
Journalists at the scene were forced to call emergency services after witnessing a man being knocked unconscious.
Victoria Police said during the protests, they succeeded in keeping the opposing groups more than 100 metres apart.
They said four officers were injured in the unrest. Two people were arrested and 38 weapons searches were conducted throughout the afternoon, although no weapons were found.
'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,' a police statement said.
As the afternoon wore on, a group of about 40 activists blocked major city intersections using wooden pallets and swarmed local retailers, creating further disruption.
One young driver, a female P-plater, was reportedly reduced to tears after being surrounded and unable to move her car.
Former Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick was also caught in the crossfire, becoming involved in a scuffle on Spring St earlier in the day.
A 37-year-old Brunswick East woman was arrested for unlawful assault and wilful damage, while a 41-year-old Footscray man was arrested for indictable assault of police. Both have been released pending a summons.
Victoria Police said they are now reviewing CCTV footage from the rally and will investigate any further offences.
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