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Activists win right to promote condoms to Catholics at World Youth Day

by Dave Keating | July 15, 2008 at 03:36 am

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Activitists in Australia have won the right to distribute condoms at the world youth day in Sydney marking the pope's visit, blocking an order that had attempted to stop them from doing so by barring people from "annoying" the pilgrims.

Young Catholics attending World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney may find themselves swamped with offers of free condoms after legislation giving police the power to arrest anyone who "annoys" pilgrims was overturned by a court.

Activists opposed to the church's stance on contraception and abortion successfully appealed the laws, passed by the New South Wales government.

Members of the NoToPope coalition argued in a federal court challenge on Tuesday that the anti-annoyance regulations, which carry fines of $5,500, were invalid and contrary to civil liberties.

Three judges agreed, saying the measures designed to help police keep order during the six-day festivities "should not be interpreted as conferring powers that are repugnant to fundamental rights and freedoms".