The New South Wales Police Force has rejected an application from Sydney-based gay rights group Community Action for Rainbow Rights for a permit to protest outside the cathedral on Thursday due to safety concerns.

Police will apply to the New South Wales Supreme Court on Wednesday to prohibit the rally.

Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said police couldn't reach a compromise with organizers’ protest plans.

“New South Wales Police is not opposed to the topic that the protesters wish to air. We certainly respect the right of people to be able to protest and air their voices,” Hudson told reporters.

But a “number of aspects” of the planned protest “present a risk to public safety,” Hudson said.

The gay rights group posted on social media a call for people to join what it calls its “Pell go to Hell!” protest.