Keep Sydney Open has slammed the court's decision to call off a planned rally in Kings Cross tonight.
The anti-lockouts group were taken to the Supreme Court by the NSW Police Commissioner yesterday, where it was ruled that "a crowd of 7,000 people would be too dangerous to accommodate" in the area.
In a statement posted to Facebook last night, Keep Sydney Open expressed its disappointment with the decision.
"Prior to the lockouts, Kings Cross received 27,000 visitors per night," the post reads.
"Keep Sydney Open maintains that the police's argument could be applied to any protest or public assembly, and they could shut down any major political rally by arguing the size would create risks.
"It is the job of police to work with organisers to mitigate those risks, but the right to assembly and political free speech must come first. We oppose risk management becoming a cause to prohibit political assembly. When red tape gets this powerful, it should be a worry for everyone in our state.
"Sadly, the court ruled in the Police Commissioner’s favour. That means the usual legal protections that apply to people at public assemblies, would no longer apply. Any of our supporters who arrived at the location, could be arrested for unlawful assembly or blocking roadways. Under these circumstances, we felt we could no longer go ahead with the rally."
Keep Sydney Open confirmed they are currently exploring alternatives.
"This state has told responsible adults when we can and can't have fun, now it's telling us when we can and can't politically express ourselves," the statement continues.
"There's a new premier on the way and our cause is as vital as ever, we hope you will join us in the coming weeks: we've got a strong message to send."
Read the full statement here.
Punters are still being called on to head into Kings Cross tonight to support the venues following the rally's cancellation.
Check out the event page here.
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