Belfield: Christian Lives Matter protesters clash with LGBTQ activists over Mark Latham’s speech

Up to 500 Christian protesters violently clashed with an LGBTQ activist group outside a church where Mark Latham was speaking, and two people led them away in handcuffs.

The NSW One Nation leader spoke about parental and religious rights at St Michaels Church in Belfield, southwest of Sydney on Tuesday, ahead of Saturday’s state election.

A group of about 15 members of Community Action for Rainbow Rights had arrived at the church to protest against an allegedly “anti-trans” speech that Mr. Latham was to give.

But instead, they were met by a mob of Christian Lives Matter supporters, who they claim hurled rocks and bottles at them.

Police said the large crowd was also throwing glass bottles at officers, and one officer was taken to Canterbury Hospital with cuts to his hand.

The terrifying clash was captured on film and shows the Christian group shouting insults at the activists.

At one point, a man is seen throwing a punch into the crowd, only for it to connect with the back of a woman’s head.

She is then heard screaming and crying as a friend puts his arm around her.

Latham addressed the event Tuesday night and said police had advised him not to speak.

“Not giving my speech, going straight home would have allowed transgender protesters to cancel my free speech and democratic rights as an election candidate, things that are sacred to me and have been for 35 years in local, federal elections.” and State,’ she tweeted.

“I did not see what happened on the main street, but I sincerely convey my best wishes to the injured and thank the police officers involved for their work.” No one should take the law into their own hands. Violence at political events is wrong.

Mr. Latham emphasized that he did not organize the event, but was invited to speak.

Speaking to 2GB on Wednesday morning, Latham said politicians should be allowed to speak without the groups blocking roads and access to the church.

“There was no need for what happened on the front lines, it diminishes our democracy and it is better that we resolve our differences at the ballot box,” he said.

At another point during the chaos, a cameraman was pushed to the ground by a Christian protester as he tried to push his way through the crowd.

“Get out of here,” a burly man yells before lunging at him.

He is then pushed again by another man before crashing to the ground as a swarm of men stand above him in a circle.

Community Action for Rainbow Rights claimed that its members were brutally attacked by the religious mob.

“Hundreds of violent far-right thugs attacked a peaceful small talk of LGBTI+ activists with glass bottles, rocks and their fists,” the group wrote on Facebook.

“Several people were punched multiple times in the face and hit with rocks and bottles while surrounded by a crowd 30 times their size.

“Get out of here,” a large man yells before attacking (pictured)

“This is a disgusting and violent escalation by far-right anti-LGBTI+ protesters.”

The group shared a video that they said was filmed by one of the Christian Lives Matter members who encouraged protesters to grab the activists “and drag them by the hair.”

“Go there tomorrow and shake them off, drag them by the head and get them out of St Michael’s Belfield.”

The NSW Police riot squad eventually had to be called in, with a 34-year-old man arrested and charged with encouraging the commission of offences.

He was given a conditional bond to appear in Bankstown Local Court on April 11.

A 41-year-old man was arrested and charged with common assault. He was given a court attendance notice to appear in Bankstown Local Court on May 30.

Anyone with insight into or information about the fight is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

The cameraman was pushed again by another man before crashing to the ground as a swarm of men stood over him in a circle.

Shortly after the ugly scenes, Mark Latham denounced the ‘violent’ behavior