Tasmanian anti-Islam rally flops

Anti-Islam protesters were outnumbered by pro-diversity demonstrators at rival rallies in Hobart.

Anti-racism protesters are seen at a rally

Two rallies, one against Islam and the other calling for inclusiveness, are planned for Hobart. (AAP)

An anti-Islam rally in Hobart fizzled in the face of opposition from rival pro-diversity supporters who outnumbered the protesters five to one.

About 10 people turned up to Franklin Square for a United Patriots Front rally on Saturday, compared with about 50 counter-protesters, ABC News reported.

Tasmania Welcomes Diversity spokesman Nathan Harris said a line of up to 20 police officers kept the two groups apart and there was no violence.

"I think the show of numbers clearly indicates it is definitely a small minority of people who think like they (anti-Islam protesters) do," Mr Harris told AAP.

The rally was worlds apart from scenes in Bendigo, Victoria, where hundreds of pro-diversity and anti-mosque protesters faced off on either side of a police cordon.

The United Patriots Front is rallying against plans to build a mosque in the regional Victorian city.


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Source: AAP


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