Story perspectives

Court Strikes Down NSW Anti-Protest Laws, Citing Free Speech

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The New South Wales Court of Appeal ruled anti-protest laws unconstitutional, citing their burden on freedom of political communication.
The emergency legislation allowed police to limit protests for nearly two months.
Activist groups argued the laws chilled speech, prompting calls to drop charges against 26 protesters arrested during protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed disappointment, defending the measures as necessary for public safety.

History

Historical Context

In 1973, the Australian government enacted laws limiting public assembly to control protests, reflecting ongoing tensions between civil liberties and public safety. The High Court later deemed these laws unconstitutional, affirming citizens' rights. Recently, the New South Wales Court of Appeal echoed this precedent, ruling current anti-protest laws unconstitutional, impacting 26 arrested protesters and shaping future legislative approaches to protest rights in Australia.

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Story summary

The New South Wales Court of Appeal ruled anti-protest laws unconstitutional, citing their burden on freedom of political communication.
The emergency legislation allowed police to limit protests for nearly two months.
Activist groups argued the laws chilled speech, prompting calls to drop charges against 26 protesters arrested during protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed disappointment, defending the measures as necessary for public safety.

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