During 22 – 24 November 2019, a 3-day International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses was held in Melbourne, Australia. While some 40,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses travelled to Melbourne City’s Marvel Stadium for the event, active members of the religion weren’t the only ones present. A group of former Jehovah’s Witnesses protested peacefully outside of the stadium, in efforts to highlight several important criticisms of the religion and its governing corporation, Watchtower and to promote necessary policy changes.

The protestors stood together in front of thousands of Witnesses who passed by as they entered, left or engaged in interim breaks during the International Convention. In line with Watchtower’s chosen theme of ‘Love Never Fails,’ the activism movement adopted the theme ‘Love Never Shuns,’ taking aim at the cruel and harmful shunning policies for those who leave the religion. The former Jehovah’s Witnesses held signs that expressed such arguments as:

Members who leave the Jehovah’s Witnesses should not be shunned

Accusations of child sexual abuse should be reported to authorities

Watchtower should effectively protect children from predators

Watchtower should apologise to victims of child sexual abuse

Watchtower should join the National Redress Scheme for victims of abuse

Critical thought is beneficial and should not be prevented

Recent findings made by the Australian Royal Commission and journalists that Watchtower has to refused to report child sexual abuse to authorities proved to be a prevalent point amongst the activists. More information regarding this may be found here: ABC news report and official government report.











The protestors travelled from a variety of locations across Australia and even internationally. Many had experienced severe emotional and physical trauma due to the religion’s practices, with the majority having been completely shunned by their family members since leaving. Personal experiences demonstrated the struggles of self-identity, abuse, lack of protection for children, misogyny, homophobia and suppression of critical thought within the organisation.

When I was a child [in the religion], there was no one to stand up for me… I’m here today, as an adult, to stand up for the children. – Lara, former Jehovah’s Witness (source)

How did Watchtower representatives react? On the first day of the protest, all seemed to be relatively normal without hinderance, however, matters changed on the second day. A significant number of convention attendants exited the stadium and formed a physical barricade in front of the protest area, in an attempt to block the activists’ messages:

Jehovah’s Witness Convention Attendants Attempt to Block Protestors’ Messages

Despite their efforts, the attendants dispersed relatively promptly after Victorian Police advised the protestors that they had the right to simply stand in front of the barricade. Following this attempt at silencing their critics, Watchtower did not attempt any further direct physical suppression of the event, however, attendees of the convention who spoke to the activists were reportedly disciplined for doing so, with one active Jehovah’s Witness being rejected entry back into the stadium.

Jehovah’s Witnesses and the public paid attention to the activists’ messages, with large numbers of people stopping to read the signs and engage in conversation. The activism event repeatedly advertised information resource jwfacts.com and the website author, Paul Grundy reported 603 new visitors in Victoria during and directly following the convention. On several occasions, cash donations were offered to the group by individuals passing by who wished to support the cause.

The protest was viewed as being well organised, peaceful and professional. The organisers of the protest are to be commended for their great work and the protestors themselves for their brave acts of activism.

Looking for more coverage of this event? Check out JW Survivor – Renee Cordeschi.