Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has revealed his government will fly the transgender flag outside its offices in response to rallies against members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
An anti-transgender rally held in Melbourne on the weekend has sparked fierce criticism after members of neo-Nazi group performed the Nazi salute.
The trans pride flag has been hoisted in front of the Victorian government offices.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the move after the Nazi salute was performed by some protesters. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling
Counter protesters clashed with the demonstrators who had gathered to see British anti-trans activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, who goes by the moniker Posie Parker.
It is not suggested she had any link with Saturday’s violence.
The Victorian Premier slammed the protests and said his government would “always support” the trans community in Victoria.
Now Mr Andrews has revealed the trans pride flag will be flown outside government offices as a sign of support.
“There’s a new flag flying outside the offices of the Victorian Government,” he said on Twitter.
Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, right, has been speaking at engagements outside state parliaments this week. She’s seen here arguing with a pro-trans supporter. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling
Protest groups face off in front of the Victorian parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling
“Because we’ll always respect you. And we’ll always have your back.”
A group of around 30 masked men dressed in black, performed multiple Nazi salutes while holding a sign that read: “Destroy Paedo Freaks”.
The neo-Nazi group and the anti-transgender protesters were opposed by a much larger group of LGBTQIA+ activists, with some estimates saying they were outnumbered by at least 2:1.
That group were heard chanting “Posie Parker you can‘t hide, you’ve got Nazis on your side”.
Mr Andrews slammed the protest.
“I wish it didn’t have to be said, but clearly it does: Nazis aren’t welcome,” Mr Andrews wrote on Twitter on Sunday.
“Not on Parliament’s steps. Not anywhere.”
The announcement has been met with a mixed reaction.
“They were there to say the trans community don’t deserve rights, safety or dignity.
“That’s what Nazis do. Their evil ideology is to scapegoat minorities – and it’s got no place here.”
Opinion is fiercely divided on the new flag, with many praising the Premier for his efforts to be inclusive.
“Sure it’s just a symbolic gesture but normalising acceptance of the trans community like this a good thing,” one person said.
Others said it was “virtue signalling” and that the Premier needed to do more on trans issues.
“That’s a real nice symbol you got there. Be a real shame if someone took … some material steps to address the issue,” one person said.