World Youth Day organisers say they did not ask for extra powers to be handed to NSW police for this month's event in Sydney. World Youth Day 2008 chief operating officer Danny Casey also said controversial "annoyance" laws that would be in force in NSW were not unique, and he supported free speech.
The NSW government has come under fire for laws introduced to prevent people "causing annoyance" to those taking part in World Youth Day events, and which could be backed with large fines.
NSW Premier Morris Iemma said today the laws were brought in following consultation with the Catholic church and "advice" from the World Youth Day authority.
But Mr Casey today told reporters:"The church did not ask for any special power to be given to police.
"Our concern has always been about the efficient running of this event, these are normal powers and people are free to protest."
Mr Casey said the regulations would also cover public streets and parks to be used for related events, and were the same that were enforced in the state's sporting stadiums.
"What we have here is legislation that has been used on many occasions," he said.
"It is important to make the public understand that we support free speech."
Mr Casey was also asked what he would consider to be an annoying act, since according to the new regulations a person may be fined $5,500 for causing annoyance at a World Youth Day event.
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