New police powers introduced for World Youth Day have been labelled unfair and akin to tough APEC laws.
Under the regulations, people who disturb pilgrims during the Catholic festival could face arrest and fines of up to $5,500.
Wearing an anti-Catholic t-shirt, handing out condoms and even riding a skateboard could incur the penalty.
NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says it's preventing free speech.
“These new police powers are not fair, they’re designed to give the pope a sanitised view of Sydney and World Youth Day,” she told LIVENEWS.com.au
“To have a crime defined as 'being annoying' is ridiculous and really does make New South Wales look extremely foolish.”
"We know the police can successfully manage huge crowds. One million people often turn up for New Year's Eve revelry, so clearly these new police powers are not needed and they should be cancelled."
The Catholic Church denies it has called for the powers, which were signed by NSW Deputy Premier John Watkins on Friday.