Family First welcomes the tremendous news that free speech campaigner Billboard Chris has won his legal battle with the Brisbane City Council after being forcibly removed from Queen Street Mall in March.

Canadian Chris Elston, known internationally for peacefully standing against the chemical and surgical mutilation of children, was wrongly issued with an $806 infringement notice and threatened with jail simply for wearing signs stating that “Children Cannot Consent to Puberty Blockers.”

On social media, Chris announced: “I’ve just won a victory over the Brisbane City Council, who had police remove me from the public square... It’s clear the problem was the Council’s ignorant bias about my message.”

The incident took place on 24 March, when a Brisbane City Council officer falsely accused Chris of obstructing pedestrian movement. He refused to move, and 12 police officers were called. Though not arrested, his signs were removed, and he was told he’d be jailed if he didn’t leave.

Thanks to the outstanding work of John Steenhof and the Human Rights Law Alliance, the fine has now been withdrawn.

Chris received formal notification from the Council: “After reviewing the file and giving consideration to the facts and circumstances surrounding this matter, I wish to advise that Infringement Notice 8000030612317 has been withdrawn... This matter is now closed.”

Chris rightly concluded: “It almost sounds like they expect me to come back. And they’re right. I’ll be back. Standing in the same spot.”

Family First condemns the LNP-controlled Brisbane City Council for allowing this abuse of power in the first place.

Why doesn’t the LNP Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stand up for free speech?

No Australian should be punished for peacefully telling the truth – especially when that truth is about protecting children from irreversible harm.

This victory is not just Chris’s win – it is a win for freedom of speech and for every parent concerned about the dangerous ideologies being pushed on vulnerable young people.

Family First will continue to stand with those who speak truth in love – even when it’s unpopular.