Vic protest laws pass lower house

Controversial laws that opponents say will restrict the right to protest have passed Victoria's lower house.

Several thousand unionists took to the streets of Melbourne on Tuesday to protest against the laws, arguing they will reduce basic legal rights.

Labor also opposes the laws saying they are Joh Bjelke-Petersen-like.

But Attorney-General Robert Clark told parliament on Thursday that lawful and legitimate protest would not be affected by the laws.

He said the laws are aimed at stopping protesters impeding people from entering premises.

Balance-of-power MP Geoff Shaw sided with the government and the laws passed the Legislative Assembly by one vote.

They will now go to the upper house where the government has a majority.