Free speech advocates need your support

Dear ,

Tomorrow night one of our directors, Damian Coory, who presents and produces The Other Side will be joining Dave Pellowe of the Good Sauce to host an evening of leading thinkers and speakers on free speech in this special on-line event.  Watch free here: http://DefendingDemocracy.au   

Yes, I know it is budget night, but we already know what is going to be in that, and with any luck it won't survive the next election, but the challenge to free speech is ongoing, and doesn't seem to matter which side is in government.

I'll also be part of the team having recorded my own seven minute spot to join their line up of 35 speakers with an aim of raising $250,000!

The online ‘telethon’ event will primarily be to raise awareness of the current lawfare attacks on free speech in Australia which are often subtle and disguised as safety initiatives.

It will also be a fundraiser for the Human Rights Law Alliance (https://www.hrla.org.au/)  an Australian organisation providing legal support for Australians facing attacks for expressing their religious or personal beliefs.  The HRLA’s patron is former Prime Minister, John Howard. 

One of the most important cases the HRLA has supported is happening right now. Well-known global campaigner against radical gender ideology, Canadian father  “Billboard Chris” (Chris Elston),  is challenging Australia’s eSafety Commissioner in a case that could set an important precedent for the protection of free expression.  

Chris posted a tweet on X criticising the appointment of an Australian transgender activist to a World Health Organisation expert panel charged with drafting guidelines for the care of transgender-identifying people.

The tweet was critical of the decision to appoint an activist to a policy board, but well within the bounds of what should be acceptable discourse in a liberal democracy. The eSafety commissioner ordered the tweet’s removal and X complied under fear of prosecution. 

Billboard Chris and the HRLA are challenging the decision in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal - and will take it further if the need arises - in order to send a clear message to the eSafety Commission and social media platforms that such infringements on free expression won’t be left unchallenged.

Even if you can't devote the whole evening, tune in for a while. Of course you don't have to even watch to donate. So whatever you do, go to http://DefendingDemocracy.au and put up for your most basic right.


Regards,

GRAHAM YOUNG
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR