Victory for Pope protesters

Two Sydney activists have won a Federal Court challenge to special World Youth Day laws that carry $5500 fines for annoying pilgrims.

The NoToPope Coalition scored the victory when the Federal Court ruled that legislation that would have prevented its members from handing out leaflets and other items was invalid in law.

Rachel Evans, one of the activists who challenged the laws, spoke to media outside the court, calling it a “major victory”. She said that now the protesters can wear their "No To Pope"         t-shirts, they can distribute condoms and literature, and they can convey their message peacefully without fear.