Tens of thousands rally in Australia against sexual assault, gendered violence

Tens of thousands of people gathered across Australia, as well as outside parliament, on Monday to take part in rallies protesting against sexism, sexual assault and gender-based violence.

The “March 4 Justice” rallies were spurred by a recent wave of allegations of sexual assault, discrimination and misconduct in some of Australia's highest political offices. Protesters in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane wore black to signal "strength and mourning," while carrying banners with slogans including "enough is enough" and "we will not be silenced."

A delegation of organizers rejected an invitation to meet with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in private, while leaders of major opposition political parties came out to join the crowds.

Xero Marks, who identifies as non-binary, started to cry while listening to Brittany Higgins at a protest in Canberra, who spoke of being raped by a colleague in parliament two years ago. "I want to feel safe and I want to feel protected and I want to know that people in parliament are going to do something about it," Marks said.

The allegations involving people in Morrison's government and political party are expected to dominate parliamentary proceedings over the next two weeks.

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