The New South Wales parliament last week passed a bill that ensures that strict emergency laws will be in force throughout next year's World Youth Day, which takes place in Sydney from 15 to 20 July.

The bill provides for the creation of the World Youth Day Coordination Authority, a body not affiliated to the Church, that will administer laws allowing for body searches, eviction of people from events, and the commandeering of private buses to transport pilgrims. In line with practice during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, there will also be restrictions on the use of air space, aerial advertising and advertising on buildings and structures in and around specified World Youth Day venues.

Restrictions on advertising appeared to be designed to protect commercial relationships between the Church and business partners or sponsors.