Sydney, NSW – The Minns Labor Government has announced plans to explore reforms aimed at enhancing protections for places of worship in New South Wales (NSW) from protests that seek to intimidate or disrupt religious practices.
This decision follows recent incidents, including protests outside the Great Synagogue in Sydney, which have raised concerns about community division and the safety of individuals practicing their faith.
Premier Chris Minns emphasized the importance of safeguarding religious freedoms, stating, “Everyone has a right to gather at mosques, churches, synagogues, and places of worship to participate in their faith free from intimidation.”
He acknowledged the delicate balance that must be struck between the right to protest and the need to protect individuals from harassment based on their religious beliefs.
The Premier has tasked the Attorney General and the Cabinet Office with reviewing current laws and proposing reforms to better shield places of worship from disruptive protests. “I am horrified by the attack at the Addas Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, and the recent sight of protests outside religious institutions,” Minns said.
“Being heckled on the way in to observe your faith is not consistent with the principles of a multicultural, multi-faith community.”
Attorney General Michael Daley echoed these sentiments, asserting that “religious freedom is the bedrock of our multicultural state.”
He stressed that while the right to protest is respected, it should not infringe upon the ability of individuals to gather freely with their faith communities.
“People have the right to feel safe in their own city, in their own churches, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship,” Daley added.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper highlighted the significance of maintaining harmony in NSW’s diverse society. “Our multicultural and multifaith society is one of our state’s greatest achievements, but it can’t be taken for granted,” he stated.
Kamper noted a troubling rise in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents, underscoring the need for legislative or regulatory reform to ensure that all faith communities can practice their beliefs without fear.
The proposed reforms come at a time when the right to peaceful assembly is being scrutinized in light of its potential to incite division and unrest. The government aims to foster an environment where freedom of religious expression is upheld, reinforcing the notion that NSW serves as a model for multicultural coexistence.
As discussions on potential reforms progress, the Minns Labor Government remains committed to ensuring that all individuals in NSW can practice their faith freely and without intimidation, reinforcing the state’s dedication to community harmony and respect for diversity.