A ‘sex-based women’s rights’ protest has erupted as counter-protesters supporting transgender rights faced off with police.
Protesters associated with Women’s Voices had gathered on the steps of Victorian Parliament House in Melbourne on Saturday.
The group, which frequently uses the slogan ‘biology isn’t bigotry’, prompted a demonstration from pro-trans activists who marched through the CBD to the building.
The almost 100-strong counter-protest reached parliament at 11am before being pushed away by police officers who sparked an altercation.
In footage from the scene, people dressed in black with their faces covered could be heard yelling slogans, including ‘all cops are Nazis’ as they faced off with authorities.
Individuals were seen jostling with officers, throwing various items including an umbrella and flares at police.
At least four people have been arrested so far.
It is understood pepper spray was also deployed to bring demonstrators under control.
Protesters could be seen holding signs opposing ‘TERFascists’ – TERF is an acronym for trans-exclusionary radical feminist
Victoria Police were on high alert for the protest since yesterday after neo-Nazis threatened to hijack the action.
Pro-trans protesters had also encouraged demonstrators to interfere with journalists.
On Saturday, some members of the group could be seen using umbrellas to block TV news cameras and allegedly launched one at a journalist.
‘Victoria Police has a completely impartial role when policing protests, prioritising public safety for all, keeping the peace, and preventing clashes,’ a police spokesman said.
‘As always, police respect the right for people to protest peacefully, however we have zero tolerance for those who threaten community or police safety.’
Women’s Voices previously protested in April following the passage of anti-vilification laws in Victoria.
During the earlier protest, four officers were injured after protesters threw various objects and missiles at police
Protesters also attempted to block intersections while carrying wooden pallets.
Women’s Voices organiser Jasmine Sussex affirmed on Friday the protest would go ahead.
‘Women have had enough of angry men claiming special gender identity hijacking women’s sex based rights. We won’t be silenced!’ she said.
‘Threatening middle-aged women who refuse to be dehumanised as cervix havers is dumb politics.’