Australian state passes laws to accommodate pope at World Youth Day

Published: 2007-12-14

SYDNEY, Australia (CNS) -- The New South Wales government has passed special legislation to accommodate Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Sydney for World Youth Day in July. The temporary laws passed by the government in mid-December will allow police extended powers of search and seizure and the discretion to remove individuals and vehicles from July 15-20 World Youth Day events. The laws, which have been likened to those enacted for the Sydney Olympics in 2000, also restrict air space above World Youth Day venues such as Royal Randwick Racecourse and the pope's residence while he is in Sydney. They protect commercial agreements between World Youth Day organizers and corporate partners. The Pontifical Council for the Laity also approved operational plans for 23 World Youth Day events. "We now have a final blueprint for the world's biggest youth event," said Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher, coordinator of the July activities.

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