“You must hold firmly to the trustworthy message.”
Australia’s leading Christian legal and human rights organization, the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL), is under investigation by the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commission for distributing flyers that quoted the Green Party’s gender policies, according to Christian Daily International (CDI).
Michelle Pearse, CEO of ACL, shared in an email to supporters on July 1, “We are being investigated simply for quoting the official statements of a politician. This shows how far freedom of expression has fallen in Australia—ACL stands as proof of this alarming decline.”
The flyers, distributed ahead of the federal election on May 3, cited the Green Party’s official gender policy, including promises to “provide free, publicly accessible gender-affirming care” and “permanently include gender-affirming healthcare in Medicare.” ACL stated the flyers aimed to inform voters and encourage public debate.
Despite this, ACL is now being investigated on accusations of making statements that were “offensive, humiliating, intimidating, insulting, or ridiculing.” Pearse emphasized, “Our concern was with irreversible medical procedures being performed on adolescents experiencing gender confusion. Our actions were well within the bounds of free speech.”
She cited examples from Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom, where gender-transition treatments have been halted or severely restricted, and noted that Queensland has also taken similar steps. Pearse referenced a ruling from an Australian family court judge, who criticized Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital for advancing gender ideology without sufficient medical justification. “Raising legitimate concerns like these should not be criminalized,” she argued.
Pearse also pointed to Tasmania’s “Dark Mofo” festival, which received public funding for performances featuring inverted crosses and satanic themes. “While such displays are supported with public money, Christian organizations are being punished,” she said.
She continued, “We’ve fought and won many important battles—protecting school chaplaincy programs, defending faith-based schools, and preserving parental rights. But this investigation is a punishment in itself and serves as a warning to anyone who dares to think differently.”
Looking ahead to Tasmania’s state election for the House of Assembly on July 19, Pearse warned, “This election will be a test of free speech. If we lose, it will send a message to politicians across the country that they can silence dissent.” (Source: Christian Daily, Edited version)
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9,NIV)
God, we ask You to rebuke the state of Tasmania in Australia, which opposes You and threatens Christian organizations by criminalizing even the expression of concern over gender policies, labeling it as offensive. Break down every scheme of Satan that seeks to manipulate the law and use political power to promote gender transition and redefine evil as good. Awaken the church in Australia, Lord, and stir them to rise up in boldness—willing even to lay down their lives to teach and uphold every word of Scripture. Strengthen them to proclaim sound doctrine without fear, and to rebuke those who oppose the truth. May they stand as the Church of Jesus, leading souls from darkness into the light.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
