Australia’s Federal Court on Tuesday overturned controversial laws banning protesters from handing out leaflets, condoms and bumper stickers during the six-day World Youth Day gathering of Catholics being led by Pope Benedict XVI.

The court denounced as invalid a New South Wales state law that made it a criminal offence to annoy or harass pilgrims and gave the police the power to fine protesters up to A$5,500 ($5,400, €3,400, £2,700) during the papal visit.