Group claims laws rushed through after wave of antisemitism in state are ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘undemocratic’

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

A legal challenge has been launched against controversial New South Wales laws aimed at curbing antisemitism and which give police broad powers to restrict protests near places of worship.

The Palestine Action Group filed the challenge in the NSW supreme court on Monday, arguing in the statement of claim that the laws were invalid because the change “impermissibly burdens the implied [commonwealth] constitutional freedom of communication on government or political matters”.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email