31 Jan 2023 | 09:05 PM UTC
Australia: Activists plan to stage protest march near St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney Feb. 2
LGBTQ+ rights activists to protest near St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney, Australia, Feb. 2. Security-related disruptions likely.
Event
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) rights activists plan to demonstrate in Sydney Feb. 2. The purpose of the gathering is to protest the viewpoints of the late Catholic Cardinal George Pell; the event is slated to coincide with Pell's funeral. Activists will first gather at the fountain at Hyde Park North across from St. Mary's Cathedral where a requiem mass for the deceased Cardinal will be taking place. Organizers have reportedly filed an application for a permit allowing up to 300 people to subsequently march along College Street past the cathedral, turning left onto Liverpool Street to Oxford Street and proceeding to Taylor Square. It remains unclear whether authorities have approved the requested route or how many people will actually participate in the march.
Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional security in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Cathedral and Hyde Park North on the day of Pell's funeral. The presence of large numbers of people at the funeral service and increased security measures could prompt localized transport disruptions.
Advice
Avoid the vicinity of St. Mary’s Cathedral and Hyde Park North on Feb. 2 as a precaution. Allow extra time to reach destinations near the announced protest march route. Heed all official traffic and security advisories.
