I was concerned to read about a group of vegan animal rights protesters entering a Melbourne steakhouse, chanting and protesting at diners, with some feeling emotional and very upset.

People can visit: http://www.pedestrian.tv/news/vegans-protest-melbourne-steakhouse/ to read more about the story and see a recording of the protesters in action.

Personally, as a vegetarian I feel this case violates a key principle of being a animal - the right to eat what you want.

On the other hand, should we be restricting a basic right to protest on an issue one feels very strongly about?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if these clowns went a protested at Tooronga park zoo lions eating meat, in the lions enclosure at feeding time. Should get them some exposure on the evening news.

I don't believe that that have the "basic right to protest" by entering a restaurant, which is private property. What a bunch of turds.

"Police say the protestors left peacefully, and there were neither injuries nor arrests."

Well there is a missed opportunity. If they try to pull that sort of crap anywhere I'm trying to enjoy a meal, I may be startled and accidentally stab them with a fork. Purely a reflex action, of course...

I agree, Nathan,

I am also vegetarian and this is disgusting and shameful.
Pity they were not arrested and charged with trespassing and other offences.

No, protesting is not a basic right.

Having the awareness to become vegetarian is a rare gift and an honour.
Not everyone had attained this gift yet and as those vegan protesters abuse theirs, they might in their next lifetime have to be born as lions.

Dear Nathan,

While I'm all for peaceful protesting - I read your link
on this particular incident and the scenes described in
the restaurant were definitely not "cool." These "in-your-
face" actions would not have won these vegans much support
at all. Bad move on their part. It would have angered many
people there and turned them off vegans alltogether.

Protests can make history - as we know - however this
particular event sounds like it was badly organised, and
childish - and would have angered many people. Not well
thought out.