"The Church asked for no special power for police. Our only concern is that the event will be carried out properly. People are free to protest". With these words, the operating manager of the WYD, Danny Casey, stops the controversies arisen in New South Wales (NSW) about the decision taken by the federal government to give police new powers to prevent people disturbing the pilgrims during the WYD, due to take place in Sydney from 15 to 20 July. "It is not up to the Church stated Casey to the daily paper Sydney Morning Herald today to decide whether an action may interfere with the good conduction of the event. However, it seems clear that, if someone decoded to protest in the midst of the Harbour Bridge just while the youth pilgrimage is going on, this might be considered a disturbance". "What matters the WYD manager wanted to make clear is that we defend freedom of speech". According to the new rules established by the NSW government, anyone causing inconveniences during the WYD might be fined with 5,500 Australian dollars. Also regarding protests, the "NoToPope" association has planned to hold a rally in Sydney on 19 July to protest against Benedict XVI’s view of abortion, homosexuality and contraception.
