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A Protest In Sydney This Month Vows To Keep Newtown 'Weird & Safe'

Brought to you by Reclaim The Streets.

On the back of the rally staged last month, protesting Sydney's casinos being exempt from the city's lockout laws, Reclaim The Streets are back with a new event, this time protesting violence against Newtown's diverse community. 

The mobile protest festival, to kick off from 3pm at Victoria Park on Saturday 23 April, will aim to draw attention to the escalating violence in the popular suburb. 

Isaac Keatinge is one of those who has been assaulted in Newtown - his attack happening just last Saturday.

'It's not the first time, just the worst time," Keatinge said.

"I've been surrounded and pushed by groups of straight men before, so I didn't expect it to escalate so quickly.
 
"My brother and father warned me that wearing dresses and makeup would 'get me bashed', I just didn't think it would happen in Newtown."

Reclaim The Streets spokesperson James Loch believes the frightening rise in violence is due to Sydney's contentious lockouts. 

"We all came to Newtown to avoid that kind of bullshit, but thanks to Casino Mike it has followed us here," Loch said. 

"The fact is the Liberal Party stirs up hatred of LGBTI people with policies like bans on same sex marriage and attacks on anti-bullying programs, and by courting hate groups like the Australian Christian Lobby.
 
"They do this because it gives them electoral support that allows them to lower taxes on big business and sell public assets to their mates.
 
"This hate has real world consequences on people we know. We are literally hurting so they can profit."

Protest organisers are encouraging attendees to get as weird as they like.

"Bring something, wear something, or do something out of the ordinary. This protest is a giant fuck-you to anyone who ever tried to make you to fit in."

For more details, head to the Reclaim The Streets Facebook event page.