The NSW Supreme Court has struck down a controversial police power allowing officers to block protests near places of worship, declaring it unconstitutional.

Josh Lees, an organiser of the Palestine Action Group (PAG), challenged the legality of the NSW government's laws under section 200(5) of Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) (LEPRA), arguing they were "unconstitutional".

The law states a police officer is not prevented from giving directions in relation to a demonstration, protest, procession or assembly if it is ... occurring in or near a place of worship.

In delivering her judgement on Thursday, Justice Anna Mitchelmore said she was satisfied the law was not “reasonably appropriate” or “adapted to its legitimate purpose”.

She declared S 200(5) of the LEPRA Act 2002

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