06 Oct 2022 | 11:32 AM UTC
Australia: Anti-abortion activists plan protest march in Melbourne, Victoria State, Oct. 8; counterprotest planned
Activists plan anti-abortion protest march in Melbourne, Australia, Oct. 8. Counterprotest planned. Increased security likely.
Event
Anti-abortion activists plan to hold a protest march from Treasury Gardens to Parliament House in Melbourne 13:00 Oct. 8. Protesters will hold the march on the 14th anniversary of the state government passing the Abortion Law Reform Act, which made abortion legal in Victoria. Multiple groups have called for a counter-protest at Parliament House from 11:00. Several dozen to a few hundred people will attend the protest march and counterprotest.
Authorities will likely monitor the protests and may try to disperse gatherings if they are especially disruptive. Skirmishes between protesters and police are possible. Confrontations and violence may also break out between protesters and counterprotesters. Localized transport disruptions are likely on roadways along and near the march route as well as near Parliament House.
Advice
Avoid the gatherings due to possible skirmishes. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Follow all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time near the protests.
