Protesters Clash at Women's Rally in Melbourne
- Eggs and water balloons were thrown as protesters faced off at Women Will Speak rally in Melbourne.
- Victoria police reported that 20 protesters were outnumbered by 150 from another group.
- The clash escalated when water balloons were hurled at the speakers during the rally.
Melbourne witnessed a clash between protesters and counter-protesters outside Parliament House on Saturday, as tensions escalated during the #WomenWILLSpeak rally. Initially attracting around 20 attendees, the rally was met by a significantly larger group of approximately 150 counter-protesters who engaged in disruptive behavior, including throwing eggs and water balloons at the speakers. Victoria Police reported that one individual, a 36-year-old woman from Brunswick, was arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers during the confrontation. Despite the chaos, no injuries were reported, but police expressed disappointment over the violent actions of the counter-protesters. In a statement, they reiterated their commitment to supporting peaceful protests while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for violence and disruptive acts that affect the community. A barricade of police officers was deployed to separate the two groups, highlighting the heightened tensions at the event. Live streams from the rally showcased the stark divide between the groups, with counter-protesters displaying signs that read “trans women are men” and calling for inquiries into gender medicine and sports. The Women’s Action Group, which organized the rally, faced significant opposition from those who sought to challenge their views on gender issues. In the lead-up to the event, a Facebook page titled Trans Queer Solidarity urged supporters to outnumber the rally attendees, framing their campaigns as harmful to trans youth and women. This call to action reflects the ongoing societal debates surrounding gender identity and rights, underscoring the deep divisions within the community.