Charlotte Varcoe
A NUMBER of Mount Gambier residents gathered this week in a silent protest against the current public health response to COVID-19.
Residents gathered outside the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre early Tuesday morning to highlight their concerns surrounding the current restrictions and ongoing mandatory vaccination receival implemented by a number of businesses across the country.
Speaking on behalf of attendees, Amy Ridings said they were not anti-vaccination campaigners but were advocating for the choice and freedom to choose whether they could receive the vaccine.
“We are anti-discrimination and protection for those who rightfully choose to not partake or be coerced into partaking in an experimental vaccine,” Ms Ridings said.
“We stand firm in the constitutional laws that are in place to protect us and see that they are upheld by our government.”
Ms Ridings said members in attendance also wished to see an end to the “divide and manipulation of fear and coercion” placed upon them via the government.
“We believe it is not selfish to stand up for that of which our grandfathers so sacrificially fought for including our constitutional rights and freedoms and it is in fact our civil duty for ourselves and the next generation,” she said.
“We are a community here in Mount Gambier but united with thousands of other Australians standing together for the freedom to choose.”
