Cardinal George Pell will be greeted by a contingent of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at the opening of Perth's newly refurbished cathedral this afternoon.

Dressed in colourful habits and holding helium filled condoms, the Sisters will protest the Catholic Church's ban on condom use and continuing anti-gay and lesbian policies.

"We believe the continuing discrimination in the church against gay and lesbian people is leading to suicide amongst young people who are rejected by the church they turn to for help," organiser Neil Buckley told WAX.

He also said he believes the ban on condom use has led to the deaths of millions in developing countries from HIV related illness.

"We're a fairly conservative society here in Perth, even the gay and lesbian community," Buckley said. "I know there are a lot of gay Catholics who are terrified of being excommunicated. I say to them, 'Come on guys, sometimes you have to make a stand.'"

Apart from Cardinal Pell, the re-opening of St Mary's Cathedral is set to attract 300 priests, 33 bishops and numerous VIPs to an invitation-only ceremony.

Buckley urged all members of the gay and lesbian community in Perth to join the protest at 4pm this afternoon.

Photo: Getty Images

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