POLICE have said they will deploy "appropriate resources" in Belfast city centre on Sunday ahead of an appearance by a controversial anti-trans campaigner.
Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull aka 'Posie Parker' is due to address a 'Let Women Speak' demonstration at the Big Fish on Donegall Quay.
However, there are plans for a counter demonstration, as well as a 'Songs for Solidarity' event at Writers' Square, organised by the Rainbow Project, trade unions and women's groups.
Ms Keen-Minshull was forced to cancel events in New Zealand last month after scuffles ahead of planned speech about women’s rights in Auckland.
The anti-trans activist was doused with tomato juice and had to be escorted from the scene by security and her supporters.
An earlier appearance in Australia was attended and supported by white supremacist groups, who marched the streets repeatedly performing the Nazi salute.
'Let Women Speak' said the venue for its Belfast demonstration had been kept "under wraps" until this week due to a "series of threats" made against Ms Keen-Minshull and those organising the event.
In a statement ahead of Sunday's demonstration, the anti-trans activist said: "I admire the resilience of the women of Northern Ireland and I know they will fight long and hard against the tyranny of the movement that seeks to redefine not only what it means to be a woman but the very fabric of womanhood.
"Women from all over Ireland and Northern Ireland will take to the microphone to reclaim their voice, to show they will not be silenced and to make it clear they will not allow their womanhood to be redefined, eroded or extinguished – it is an open mic and anyone who feels passionate will be invited to speak."
The organisers of Songs for Solidarity said Let Women Speak "do not represent the views of the majority of people of NI".
"Our event is intended to be a positive and joyful presence in Belfast – this is our city," they said in a Facebook post.
"We will not engage with other protesters who may be in the area. We will not allow or endorse any violence or intimidation at our event."
The organisers urged supporters not to bring "placards with violent or abusive imagery" or party political banners and leaflets.
People Before Profit representative Cailín McCaffery said the Let Women Speak demonstration was "organised by people who want spread fear and misinformation about a marginalised minority group in our society'.
“It is not trans people who have denied women their rights – trans rights are not in conflict with women’s rights," she said.
"Thankfully most women’s rights organisations in Ireland have a strong track record in supporting trans people."
A spokesperson for the PSNI said police were aware of a number of planned events and that "appropriate resources" would be in place.
"We are liaising with organisers to ensure those planning on attending can do so safely, with a clear understanding of their legal obligations," the spokesperson said.
"As a police service we have a responsibility to uphold and balance the human rights of all of our citizens."
