Annoying pope or the faithful illegal in Australia

SYDNEY – Australians have been warned that annoying the crowds gathered to see the Pope during his visit later this month is against the law.

Violators can face a fine of US$5,300 under the new regulations, which critics are calling a heavy-handed blow to free speech. The regulations give police and emergency services workers power to order anyone to stop behavior that “causes annoyance or inconvenience to participants in a World Youth Day event,” according to a New South Wales state government gazette.Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the powers were similar to those that police already have at big sports events, but were being extended to World Youth Day sites to boost security among the large crowds expected.A coalition of gay rights, student and atheist groups that is planning a July 19 march during the festival to protest what it calls the Pope’s homophobic and antiquated ideas said yesterday it would not change its plans because of the new regulations.Almost 200 000 pilgrims have registered to take part in the July 15-20 World Youth Day festival, and organisers say more are expected before the event starts.The Pope will also hold meetings with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and other officials.Nampa-APThe regulations give police and emergency services workers power to order anyone to stop behavior that “causes annoyance or inconvenience to participants in a World Youth Day event,” according to a New South Wales state government gazette.Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the powers were similar to those that police already have at big sports events, but were being extended to World Youth Day sites to boost security among the large crowds expected.A coalition of gay rights, student and atheist groups that is planning a July 19 march during the festival to protest what it calls the Pope’s homophobic and antiquated ideas said yesterday it would not change its plans because of the new regulations.Almost 200 000 pilgrims have registered to take part in the July 15-20 World Youth Day festival, and organisers say more are expected before the event starts.The Pope will also hold meetings with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and other officials.Nampa-AP