A fierce response to pro-Palestine protesters planning to disrupt the unveiling of the Myer Christmas Windows has prompted the Victorian government to announce it will strengthen anti-vilification laws to enhance social cohesion and give police more power to manage demonstrations.

A Pro-Palestine group that planned a protest outside Myer’s Christmas windows have opted to cancel their demonstration. It comes after Sunday’s public unveiling of the windows was cancelled as a result of the protest.

Myer’s annual Christmas window unveiling event has been scrapped over safety concerns due to a planned pro-Palestine protest, calling for the end of the ongoing war.

The organiser of a pro-Palestine protest group has provided a controversial reason for plans to disrupt the Myer Christmas Windows, as they ignored pleas from Victoria Police to respect the holiday tradition.

Pro-Palestine activists have vowed to continue initial plans to cause chaos at the Myer Christmas windows if the retailer decides to hold the launch event on Sunday.

In a move that has disappointed Melburnians, Myer has announced the cancellation of its iconic annual Christmas window unveiling on Bourke Street Mall following threats of disruption by pro-Palestine protesters.

Related: Australia backs UN resolution recognising ‘permanent sovereignty’ of Palestinians in major departure. He said that when it comes down to it “most people want to see

Myer has been forced to cancel the annual unveiling of its Christmas window display in Melbourne's Bourke Street mall.

The official unveiling of Myer's Christmas windows on Bourke Street this Sunday will not go ahead after a protest was organised to disrupt the event.