20 Aug 2019 | 02:29 AM UTC
Australia: Pro-choice rally in Sydney August 20
Hundreds of people gather outside Parliament House in Sydney on August 20 in support of a pro-choice bill; counterprotest planned later in the day
Event
Hundreds of pro-choice activists reportedly gathered outside of Parliament House on Macquarie street in Sydney on the morning (local time) of Tuesday, August 20, in support of a bill to decriminalize abortion in New South Wales state. The upper house of the state parliament started debating the bill on Tuesday after it was passed through the lower house. Pro-life groups are also calling for supporters to gather at Martin Place on Macquarie street from 18:00 until 21:00 on Tuesday to oppose the bill. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are possible around the demonstrations.
Further rallies in support or opposition to the proposed bill are possible in the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in Sydney are advised keep abreast of the situation and avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.