Queer activists locked lips at a kiss-in in Hyde Park today in front of dozens of World Youth Day pilgrims, many of whom looked on in bewilderment.

Six same-sex couples, some dressed as nuns, took part in the kiss-in in Hyde Park near the Archibald Fountain, just metres away from St Mary’s Cathedral.

The kiss-in drew dozens of onlookers and pilgrims, with many taking photographs.

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“And we’re also showing solidarity and support for our Catholic brothers and sisters and want them to know that we don’t have any problems with religion but that loving each other and looking after each other should be paramount, regardless.”

The group was made up predominantly of queer students from Victoria and New South Wales. Word of the protest was spread via online networking site Facebook and word-of-mouth, Wassef said.

Hannah Gissane, a 19-year-old student from Newcastle, told SX she was taking part to highlight the Church’s homophobic position.

“I think their draconian stance on condoms and abortion and on homosexuality really should be critiqued and drawn attention to.”

Earlier, the group was forced to disband after police officers told them to move away from the area. The protesters dispersed and some began distributing condoms.

Some curious pilgrims stopped to have a look at what the protesters were handing out, but most declined when they realised what was being distributed. Other pilgrims looked on in disdain.

However, the condoms were received enthusiastically by another group of young people, who were preparing to stage their own rally. One of them held up a sign with emoticons that read: "Condoms = [smiley face] Catholics = [sad face]".

But moments later, when they realised the protesters were queer, the other group began shouting, “But no to gay sex.”

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