The Minns Labor Government is ensuring people can continue attending their places of worship without being blocked, harassed or intimidated.
A Bill will be introduced into NSW Parliament today confirming police have the power to move on protesters who affect someone's ability to enter or leave their place of worship.
No one deserves to be blocked, harassed or intimidated while trying to attend their church, synagogue, temple or mosque.
The change follows a recent Supreme Court decision affecting the move on powers.
Importantly, this decision did not affect the offence of intentionally blocking, impeding, harassing, intimidating, or threatening a person accessing a place of worship.
The Government is acting quickly to ensure police can still use move on powers to protect individuals trying to access their place of worship.
The amendments in the Bill balance community protection with the freedom of political expression.
They are complemented by the suite of legislation the Government has introduced to protect the community from racial hatred, intimidation and harassment.
Attorney General Michael Daley said:
"It is not acceptable that someone is harassed or intimidated simply for attending their church, synagogue, temple or mosque.
"We are ensuring the NSW Police Force retains appropriate move on powers.
"This change strikes the right balance between protecting the community and the right to protest."
