Daniel Andrews blasts protesters who gave the Nazi salute at a trans rights rally in Melbourne

Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrew has slammed protesters who performed the Nazi salute during an anti-transgender rally that quickly turned violent, telling them Nazis were “not welcome” in the state.

Large crowds of protesters from two competing rallies clashed in the streets of Melbourne over LGBTQI+ issues as anti-transgender activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull continues her speaking tour of Australia on Saturday.

The ugly display has already sparked calls for tougher legislation to crack down on white supremacists, from a Victorian MP who said the display on the steps of Parliament was “unacceptable”.

Ms. Keen-Minshull, who goes by the nickname Posie Parker, is a British woman who founded the group Standing for Women.

She describes herself as a women’s rights activist, but is best known for her anti-transgender opinions.

Members of the far-right National Socialist Movement crashed a demonstration between pro-transgender and anti-transgender activists in Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday

The group performed the Hitler salute, which was quickly condemned and sparked calls for tougher laws to crack down on white supremacists

It is not believed that she had any connection to Saturday’s violence.

However, their controversial views are believed to have sparked the tense clash between anti-trans and pro-trans activists outside Victoria’s Houses of Parliament.

Masked men salute the Nazis in Melbourne CBD as they crash the demonstration between pro-transgender and anti-transgender activists.

Her stunt has sparked outrage in the community, including a fiery rebuke from Mr Andrews on Sunday.

He condemned the protesters and said their attempt to “spread hatred” was unwelcome

“I wish it didn’t need to be said, but it clearly does: Nazis are not welcome,” Andrews wrote on Twitter.

‘Not on the steps of Parliament. Nowhere.

“They were there to say that the trans community doesn’t deserve rights, safety or dignity.

“That’s what Nazis do. Their vicious ideology is to scapegoat minorities – and it has no place here.

“And those who stand by them don’t either.”

Mr Andrews said his government will “always support” trans people in Victoria.

“And we will always respect you,” he said.

‘Because your rights are non-negotiable.’

Anti-transgender activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull (right) has spoken at events outside of state legislatures this week

Ms Keen-Minshull clashed with pro-trans supporters on Saturday

Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrew (pictured with wife Catherine) slapped protesters performing the Nazi salute during an anti-transgender rally that quickly turned violent, telling them Nazis were “not welcome” in the state.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Houses of Parliament on Spring Street around midday.

The rally attracted a heavy police presence in the area, including officers from the Public Order Task Force and Mounted Detachment.

The black-clad group of men performed several Hitler salutes while holding a sign that read “Destroy the Paedo Freaks.”

At least 30 members of the far-right Nationalist Socialist Movement marched down Spring Street in Melbourne in support of Ms Keen-Minshull.

The men all wore black and some of the protesters wore balaclava masks during the protest.

The group were seen insulting transgender activists and performing the Nazi salute as they stood on the steps of Parliament.

They were opposed by an even larger group of people championing transgender issues, who chanted, “Posie Parker, you can’t hide, you have Nazis on your side.”

The chant was used at other rallies against the anti-trans spokesman across the country.

Victoria Police tried to keep both groups separate but there was some clashes between the two sides.

Macnamara MP Josh Burns called for some tougher legislation to be considered after yesterday’s event.

“The ugly alliance between anti-trans bullies and neo-Nazis seen in the city today was extremely confronting,” Mr Burns wrote on social media.

“Both groups seek to bully and blame minority groups for their dark ideology.

“Scapegoating minorities is their business model and it has no place in Australia.

“History has shown that minorities, including the LGBTIQA+ community, have been targeted before.

“It’s evil, it’s bigoted and it should be called out.

“The brazen parade with neo-Nazi salutes in front of the Victorian Parliament is unacceptable.

“This is a time for us to consider whether tougher laws are needed.”

The police presence at the protest was heavy and officers tried to keep both groups separate

Victoria Police said they were on site at the rally to keep the peace between the different groups

It is estimated that around 400 people were there to support Ms Keen-Minshull – but the pro-transgender supporters outnumbered them by at least 2-1.

It is unclear at this time whether there have been any arrests or serious injuries as the event is still ongoing.

Victoria Police confirmed they were aware of the gathering.

“There is a highly visible police presence in the area to ensure there are no breaches of the peace and to ensure the safety of the community,” a police spokesman said.

Ms Keen-Minshull’s tour kicked off in Sydney last Saturday and will include stops in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra before heading to New Zealand.

The controversial speaker has also faced protests at other stops, although this is believed to be the first time her supporters have clashed with pro-trans groups on the tour.

She made headlines in recent months after a speaker quoted Adolf Hitler at one of her events.

The anti-trans activist slammed a member of the British House of Commons who mentioned murdered trans American teenage girl Brianna Ghey in a speech marking International Women’s Day.