Protections for people attending places of worship

The NSW Parliament has passed legislation ensuring police have the power to move on protesters who block, harass or intimidate people trying to access places of worship.

The legislation, which passed on Thursday afternoon, follows a recent Supreme Court decision that affected police move-on powers.

Attorney-general Michael Daley said no one should be harassed or intimidated while attending religious services.

“No one should be harassed or intimidated trying to attend their church, synagogue, temple or mosque. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and has no place in NSW,” Daley said.

“Following the decision of the Supreme Court, we have reintroduced a move on power which balances community protection and the right to protest.”

The amendments complement existing legislation protecting the community from racial hatred, intimidation and harassment.

Daley said the government had acted quickly to ensure NSW Police retained appropriate powers.

“The Government has acted quickly to ensure NSW Police retains appropriate powers to move on protesters who affect someone’s ability to access or leave their place of worship,” he said.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Michele Goldman welcomed the swift action.

“We welcome the swift action of the NSW Government and Parliament to crack down on displays of hate and intimidation at places of worship by ensuring that move on provisions are protected,” Goldman said.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to repeal these powers was a disheartening outcome for our community given scenes we witnessed at The Great Synagogue.”

Goldman said Jewish people had the right to access synagogues safely.

“Jewish people have the right to access synagogues safely and without fear, just like every other religious community,” she said.

“We welcome these new laws that empower police to act against protesters who block, harass or intimidate people attending synagogues, or any other place of worship.”

The Supreme Court decision did not affect the offence of intentionally blocking, impeding, harassing, intimidating or threatening a person accessing a place of worship.