Victoria will legislate to ‘thwart’ protests at places of worship while banning masks and flags

Victorian premier Jacinta Allan says the flags of Hamas and Hezbollah will be banned alongside face coverings at protests as part of a crackdown on demonstrations, including near places of worship. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

The Victorian government’s proposed crackdown on protests has been criticised as a severe limitation on the right to participate in demonstrations, despite being backed by some Jewish groups.

The Allan government on Tuesday announced protesting could be banned outside places of worship – while face masks and certain flags could be prohibited at other demonstrations – under proposed legislation announced in response to an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue.