Abortion clinic-style bans on protests outside WA places of worship unlikely
Bans on protesters congregating outside places of worship are unlikely to be introduced in WA, despite suggestions from senior Jewish legal figures amid heightened antisemitism.
The West Australian government appears unlikely to introduce a ban similar to abortion clinic buffer zones, despite calls from Jewish legal experts amid rising antisemitism. Attorney General Tony Buti emphasized the focus on preventing harm, reducing intimidation, and empowering police to maintain safety. While Jewish leaders argue protests near places of worship can be intimidating, legal experts warn a blanket ban could be unconstitutional.
Instead, a proposed bill would allow police to refuse permits for protests that incite hatred based on race, religion, or gender identity. The bill, drafted following recent terror attacks, does not specifically target places of worship but gives police the power to deny permits for protests that block roads. WA Supreme Court Justice and Orthodox Jewish rabbi Marcus Solomon also called for restrictions to protect human dignity.
The Jewish Community Council of WA's Steve Lieblich expressed disappointment but noted that a specific ban was not a high priority due to good police relations and infrequent protests. While antisemitism peaked last year, reported incidents remain higher than before the October 7 attack on Israel. Protest law experts argue that current hate speech laws and move-on powers are sufficient, and better education is needed to promote social cohesion.
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