Christian arrested for silent prayer back under investigation

  • Crown Prosecution Service to advise on charging Isabel Vaughan-Spruce again for praying silently near abortion facility in Birmingham
  • Charitable volunteer, who was cleared in court and received a payout from police for being unjustly arrested twice for her silent prayers, has been consistently praying in same location for twenty years

Birmingham (10th August 2025) – West Midlands Police have confirmed a live investigation into Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, who has been engaging in silent prayer on a public street near an abortion facility in Birmingham.

This marks the third time in which the police have responded to Vaughan-Spruce’s silent prayers. In 2023, the charitable volunteer was acquitted in court after being arrested for praying in a local “buffer zone”, under a Public Spaces Protection Order which banned “expressions of approval or disapproval” of abortion. The incident occurred while the abortion facility was closed. The prosecution offered no evidence to support a conviction.

“Silent prayer cannot possibly be a crime – everyone has the right to freedom of thought.”

- Isabel Vaughan-Spruce

Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Isabel was arrested again for the same silent thoughts in the same location weeks later, opening an investigation that lasted several months. In August 2024, Vaughan-Spruce successfully challenged her two unjust arrests and received a settlement from West Midlands Police of £13,000.

Vaughan-Spruce, who has been a charitable volunteer supporting mothers in crisis pregnancy for twenty years, has continued to pray nearby the abortion facility on a weekly basis. West Midlands Police have begun a practice of posting two police officers to watch her pray silently. On regular occasions, she has been approached by officers and asked if she is praying.

Vaughan-Spruce submitted a complaint to the police force for repeatedly harassing and interrogating her while failing to explain how she had been in breach of any law. The complaint noted that her treatment was at odds with the previous clear verdict from the courts and CPS guidance on the matter.

Her formal complaint was declined on the basis of there being a live investigation against her, despite her never being formally informed that this was the case.

West Midlands Police have now confirmed that they await advice from CPS considering next steps on the allegations against Isabel. CPS has previously decided that acts of standing silently in prayer do not meet its evidential and public interest thresholds to warrant prosecution. This approach appeared to be formalised under new guidance which noted that conduct which was not ‘overt’ would fall outside the scope of criminality (LINK). This is believed to be the first test of CPS guidance under the controversial national “buffer zone” legislation.

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce commented:

“Despite being fully vindicated multiple times after being wrongfully arrested for my thoughts, it’s unbelievable that I am still being harassed by police for silently pray in that area, and yet again find myself under investigation for the same prayers I have said for twenty years. Silent prayer cannot possibly be a crime – everyone has the right to freedom of thought.” 

Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for ADF International, who have supported Vaughan-Spruce’ legal defence, said:

“’Buffer zones’ are among the most concerning frontiers of censorship in the modern west. We all stand against harassment and abuse, but the ‘buffer zone’ lawbroadly bans “influence”, which is being interpreted by police officers to target innocent people who happen to stand in a certain place and believe a certain thing. We will continue to robustly challenge this unjust censorship, and support Isabel’s right to think and believe freely.”

Footage of Isabel’s arrest in 2022 went viral worldwide:

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Pictured: Isabel Vaughan-Spruce (x2); Isabel being arrested for her prayers (November 2022, March 2023); Jeremiah Igunnubole

Victory for Religious Freedom: Nigerian High Court Strikes Down Wrongful Conviction of Christian Man Who Faced Torture 

  • A High Court in Northern Nigeria has overturned the wrongful conviction of a Christian man who helped a persecuted convert escape violence in the country.
  • ADF International and allied lawyers provided legal support to David’s case and secured justice after a year-and-a-half of legal struggle.

NORTHERN NIGERIA (4 AUGUST 2025) – A Nigerian High Court has overturned the wrongful conviction of a Christian man, David*, who was tortured, imprisoned and fined after aiding two adult women converts who faced violent threats for converting to Christianity. David had been falsely accused of kidnapping and other crimes in early 2024 and convicted following a rushed three-day trial without legal representation.

This case is a powerful reminder of the urgent crisis facing Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria. David was tortured, prosecuted, and imprisoned simply for helping a woman escape violence because of her faith. We welcome the court’s decision in this case and pray that others will never have to face what David went through. Protections for religious freedom must increase within Northern Nigeria.

- Sean Nelson, Legal Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

“This case is a powerful reminder of the urgent crisis facing Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria. David was tortured, prosecuted, and imprisoned simply for helping a woman escape violence because of her faith,” said Sean Nelson, legal counsel for global religious freedom at ADF International. “We welcome the court’s decision in this case and pray that others will never have to face what David went through. Protections for religious freedom must increase within Northern Nigeria.”

David was one of two Church leaders targeted for their role in helping two adult women, Adah* and Naomi*, safely relocate after they converted to Christianity and faced credible death threats from family and community members. After aiding their escape, David and another church leader, Ezekiel*, were unlawfully detained and tortured for weeks by militants before being handed over to police. While Pastor Ezekiel was released without charges after legal intervention, David was prosecuted and convicted on false kidnapping charges without legal representation in a three-day sham trial at a magistrate’s court and was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.

ADF International-supported lawyers intervened, securing his release on bail and appealing the conviction. In July, the High Court quashed the conviction entirely and ordered the return of the fine David had been forced to pay. The state did not appear in court to defend the original prosecution.

Christian Persecution in Nigeria

Tragically, cases like David’s are common in Nigeria. Christians in the country face widespread persecution and violence from terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Muslim Fulani militias, as well as from government laws and policies that severely restrict and punish religious freedom.

“Despite the persecution in my community, I know that I have everlasting life,” David said, citing John 3:16. “This is our encouragement. My community and I, in the Christian faith, rejoice on account of the assurance of the Word of God. This is our confidence and peace.”

In 2022, roughly 5,000 Christians were murdered for their faith in Nigeria – more than the number killed in all other countries combined. For 2023, one estimate put the number of Christians targeted and killed in Northern Nigeria at over 7,000.

Through strategic legal work and partnerships, ADF International supports clients like David across Nigeria’s national courts and through international mechanisms, aiming to bring immediate relief and promote respect for religious freedom. Efforts to raise awareness of religious persecution, including recent international legislative initiatives, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Nigeria. Efforts like these have led to the release of many persecuted Christians like David, such as Rhoda Jatau, acquitted of blasphemy charges in December 2024.

ADF International remains committed to defending religious freedom and standing alongside those persecuted for their faith until justice and liberty are secured for all.

*Names changed for security reasons.

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“What is a Woman?” Legal Showdown Begins in Australian Federal Court

  • Biological male “Roxanne Tickle” sued “Giggle for Girls” app, and founder Sall Grover, for female-only membership policy
  • Appeal began today (4-7 August) in pivotal case for rights of women to female-only spaces, with implications for the safety of women’s sports, crisis shelters, changing rooms and more 

SYDNEY (1 August 2024) – The Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia has begun to hear the appeal in what has been described as the “ultimate ‘what is a woman?’ case” in a 4-day hearing from 4-7 August. 

Last summer, the Court ruled in Roxanne Tickle v. Giggle for Girls (“Tickle v. Giggle”) that “Roxanne Tickle,” a biological male who identifies as a woman, experienced unlawful discrimination when prevented from joining female-only networking app “Giggle.”  

The court found that Tickle experienced “indirect discrimination,” ordering Giggle for Girls to pay $10,000 AUD in compensation and to cover Tickle’s legal costs.  

I am optimistic. I know we are right & I know that reality always wins - eventually. Reality is inescapable.

- Sall Grover, CEO, "Giggle"

Tickle sued the female-only app on the basis that, being “legally permitted to identify as female” and having had his birth certificate amended, he should be permitted into spaces reserved for biological women. Giggle for Girls argued that women have a right to single-sex spaces, both online and offline. 

The Court rejected Giggle’s defence that Tickle was not unlawfully discriminated against, but instead disqualified from joining the networking app due to his male sex.   

In the judgment, the court stated “…sex is not confined to being a biological concept referring to whether a person at birth had male or female physical traits, nor confined to being a binary concept, limited to the male or female sex…” 

ADF International has supported Giggle’s defence on the basis that Australian law must uphold the truth of biological reality and in line with the protections for women enshrined in international human rights law.  

Commenting on the decision, Giggle CEO, Sall Grover, said:  

“To use Giggle, users had to be female, and female in the ordinary use of the word which is biological,” Grover explained, adding, “I am optimistic. I know we are right & I know that reality always wins – eventually. Reality is inescapable. The law has to reflect reality. In reality, no man is a woman so therefore no man should legally be a woman.” 

Katherine Deves of Pryor Tzannes & Wallis, legal representatives for the Respondent, said: “The stakes are high in this case. Women’s international human rights will be lost if “woman” now includes any male who identifies as such. This decision matters not just in Australia but also to the watching world.”  

Robert Clarke, Director of Advocacy for ADF International, which provided support for the case, said:  

“By ruling that a biological male was discriminated against for being excluded from a women’s app, the court delivered a flawed judgment that undermines protections for women. Sex is not a feeling – it is a biological fact, and it cannot be changed. This appeal is a defining moment: the Court must choose between ideology and reality.”

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Pictured (left to right): Sall Grover; Katherine Deves; Robert Clarke.

U.S. Congress Introduces Resolution Condemning the Persecution of Christians in Muslim-Majority Countries

  • A new congressional resolution brings renewed attention to reports of Christian persecution in many Muslim-majority countries and urges the U.S. government to address religious freedom concerns in its foreign policy.

  • ADF International has supported and endorsed the resolution, calling for stronger international protections for fundamental religious freedom.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV) and Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced a congressional resolution (H. Res,. 594) condemning the widespread and ongoing persecution of Christians in Muslim-majority countries. The resolution cites numerous human rights violations documented across countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Syria, Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, and others. It highlights targeted killings, mass church closures, arbitrary arrests, forced conversions, and the denial of basic religious freedoms.

In Nigeria alone, it notes, more Christians are killed each year than in all other countries combined, most recently during an attack in Benue State that claimed the lives of over 200 believers.

“No one from any religious background should face persecution for their faith. Yet year after year, Christians remain the most persecuted religious group worldwide, especially in many Muslim-majority countries,” said Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom at ADF International. “We applaud the resolution for recognizing this grave reality and urging U.S. action. When Christians are being killed, silenced, or driven underground, we cannot look the other way.”

“No one from any religious background should face persecution for their faith. Yet year after year, Christians remain the most persecuted religious group worldwide, especially in many Muslim-majority countries. We applaud the resolution for recognizing this grave reality and urging U.S. action. When Christians are being killed, silenced, or driven underground, we cannot look the other way"

- Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

“More than 380 million Christians worldwide suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith,
with many of those Christians facing persecution throughout many Muslim-majority countries;,” the resolution states, referencing Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List.

The resolution followed Moore’s first-ever floor speech in April, which also focused on the global crisis of Christian persecution. It calls on the President to prioritize the protection of persecuted Christians in U.S. foreign policy and to use all available diplomatic tools, including in ongoing trade and national security negotiations with Muslim-majority countries, to press for the advancement of religious freedom and the protection of persecuted Christians. The resolution was co-sponsored by seven other congressmen, including W. Gregory Steube, (R-FL), Michael Guest (R-MS), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Brandon Gill (R-TX), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), and Pat Harrigan (R-NC).

“The widespread, severe, and systematic persecution of Christians is too often ignored. This resolution is important because it clearly identifies what so many won’t: that Christians are often singled out because of what they believe and who they are,” said Sean Nelson, legal counsel for global religious freedom at ADF International.

Background

Through legal advocacy and global alliances, ADF International works to protect the rights of Christians and other religious minorities facing persecution around the world.

In Nigeria, extremist violence by groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani militants has led to the mass killing, abduction, and displacement of Christians. Cases such as those of Rhoda Jatau and Yahaya Sharif-Aminu reveal the violent persecution and punishments that come under the country’s blasphemy laws. ADF International works alongside allied lawyers to provide legal support, document these human rights violations, and advocate for greater accountability and protection for vulnerable communities.

In Egypt, Christians frequently face mob violence, church closures, and legal discrimination. ADF International monitors and provides legal support against these violations and engages with international bodies to highlight the ongoing threats to religious freedom in the country. Christians in nations such as Pakistan, Iran, and Algeria, face imprisonment, harassment, and legal penalties for practicing their faith. ADF International provides legal support, submits human rights reports to the United Nations, and advocates for international action in defense of persecuted religious minorities.

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Brazilian Supreme Court Urged to Protect Children from Gender Ideology Experiments in Brief Filed by Human Rights Organizations

Brazil censorship

    • Legal brief to Supreme Federal Tribunal supports Brazilian Medical Council’s decision to ban ‘gender transition’ of minors 
    • ADF International, in conjunction with Instituto Isabel, urges the Tribunal to uphold Brazil’s right to shield minors from experimental gender interventions. 
    Brazil censorship

    BRASILIA (JULY 14) – Pending before the supreme court of Brazil is a decision to ban so-called “gender transition” of minors. The case follows an April decision by the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine, which issued updated ethical and technical standards for managing gender dysphoria for individuals under the age of 21 by banning the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and potentially irreversible surgeries to encourage minors to live as the opposite sex.   

    “Trans-activist” groups challenged the guidelines in court. In response, ADF International and Brazilian organisation Instituto Isabel filed an amicus brief urging the court to uphold the Council’s authority and shield minors from experimental gender interventions. The Supreme Federal Tribunal is expected to decide on the challenge to the new guidelines later this year.

    “No child should be subjected to dangerous experiments that carry permanent, life-altering consequences. We fully endorse the Brazilian Medical Council’s decision to prohibit these so-called treatments and have urged the Supreme Federal Tribunal to uphold the decision in accordance with Brazil’s international human rights obligations to protect children. This is about ensuring that medical practice remains rooted in evidence and ethics, not gender ideology."

    - Tomás Henriquez, Director of Advocacy for Latin America at ADF International

    “No child should be subjected to dangerous experiments that carry permanent, life-altering consequences,” said Tomás Henriquez, Director of Advocacy for Latin America at ADF International. “We fully endorse the Brazilian Medical Council’s decision to prohibit these so-called treatments and have urged the Supreme Federal Tribunal to uphold the decision in accordance with Brazil’s international human rights obligations to protect children. This is about ensuring that medical practice remains rooted in evidence and ethics, not gender ideology.” 

    ADF International’s legal brief argues that the Medical Council’s resolution addresses pressing public health concerns and is supported by international law. It references the long-lasting harms of so-called “transgender” medical interventions for minors, calling on Brazil to ensure the right to health of children by prohibiting access to experimental interventions. 

    The brief cites recent court decisions, including a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in United States v. Skrmetti, which confirmed that U.S. states can set limits on gender-related medical procedures for minors. It urges the Supreme Federal Tribunal of Brazil to uphold similar protections by applying international law and fulfilling its duties under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The brief states that the Medical Council “[H]as a compelling interest in safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of minors and protecting minors from unsafe medical procedures is a part of that interest.” 

    The brief references medical research as part of a growing, larger global consensus to suspend the practice of experimental gender interventions, opting instead for non-invasive psychological treatments.  

    It states, “Previous guidelines for treating gender dysphoria, which allowed for the dispensation of puberty blockers and cross-hormone therapy for minors, as well as for irreversible surgical procedures, lack scientific evidence and have been widely criticized by the scientific community. The new guidelines (…) are part of a reversal in course by health authorities in many nations that once allowed these procedures or forms of intervention without regard for the integral health of minors.

    Support from UN Special Rapporteur

    On 16 June 2025, Reem Alsalem, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, publicly welcomed the Medical Council’s decision, describing the resolution as consistent with its international human rights obligations and a necessary step to protect minors. Alsalem emphasized that permitting children to undergo medicalized gender interventions “violates their right to safety, security, and freedom from violence,” and warned of the long-term physical and psychological harms associated with these interventions. 

    International Shift to Dismantle Gender Ideology

    The move places Brazil among a growing number of countries reassessing the use of these interventions on children in light of serious ethical and medical concerns. 

    In South America, Chile and Argentina have taken steps to restrict the performance of such interventions, and to curtail the influence of gender ideology in its policies. In the U.K., following the publication of the Cass Review, which criticized youth gender treatments, the Tavistock Clinic was shut down by the National Health Service, and the Health Secretary introduced a permanent ban on the use of puberty blockers as a treatment for transgender affirmation. Countries across Europe, including Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Hungary, and Slovakia have implemented legal or administrative measures to restrict these interventions on minors. 

    “Governments are beginning to recognize that so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ for minors is anything but settled,” said Andrea Hoffmann, President of Instituto Isabel. “Brazil’s actions reflect a broader international shift—one that puts the wellbeing of children ahead of political pressure and medical experimentation. We urge the Supreme Federal Tribunal to uphold the Medical Council’s decision and affirm the country’s duty to protect children and safeguard ethical medical practice.” 

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    European Parliament Calls for Urgent Protection of Christians and other Religious Minorities in Syria Following Targeted Attacks

    • The European Parliament adopted a resolution following one of Syria’s deadliest anti-Christian attacks in years at Mar Elias Church in Damascus 
    • ADF International welcomes the resolution’s explicit condemnation of targeted violence against Christians and other religious minorities and calls for greater EU action on religious freedom in Syria 

    STRASBOURG (10 July 2025) – The European Parliament has adopted an Urgency Resolution condemning the terrorist attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Mar Elias in Damascus and calling for increased protection of Christians and other religious minorities in Syria. The resolution urges action against the rise of violent Islamist extremism and emphasizes the urgent need for religious freedom protections.

    “This resolution marks an important step toward building international momentum to protect Christians and other religious minorities in Syria,” said Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom for ADF International. “The European Parliament is right to demand accountability, not only for the Mar Elias attack, but for the broader pattern of religious persecution in Syria, and to condition future support on the Syrian government’s compliance with human rights obligations.” 

    This resolution marks an important step toward building international momentum to protect Christians and other religious minorities in Syria. The European Parliament is right to demand accountability, not only for the Mar Elias attack, but for the broader pattern of religious persecution in Syria, and to condition future support on the Syrian government’s compliance with human rights obligations."

    -Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom for ADF International

    Growing threats to religious minorities in Syria demand urgent international response

    The resolution follows the June 22 suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, which left at least 25 dead and over 60 injured in the deadliest anti-Christian attack in Syria in years. The Islamist terrorist group Saraya Ansar al Sunna has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. 

    The European Parliament condemned the attack and urged the Syrian transitional authorities to conduct independent investigations and to “ensure accountability including by prosecuting perpetrators and enablers of human rights violations like in the case of Mar Elias.” The resolution also calls for the Syrian government to restore the historic Mar Elias Church and to establish a Syria Reconstruction Fund to support reconciliation and interfaith dialogue. The Parliament further calls on EU Member States to maintain and expand targeted sanctions against those responsible for religious freedom violations.

    The resolution draws specific attention to the vulnerability of Christian communities in Syria. In addition to the recent violence, Christians in Syria are facing an escalating pattern of harassment and intimidation—including the recent vandalism of a church in Tartus, where messages were left demanding that local Christians pay jizyah, a historical tax imposed on non-Muslims. In other cities across the country, pastors have faced pressure from authorities to allow government monitoring of church activities. Christians have also been subjected to discriminatory treatment at military and security checkpoints, and there have been multiple reports of Christian cemeteries being desecrated, with crosses on tombs deliberately destroyed. These actions collectively contribute to an atmosphere of fear and marginalization for Syria’s Christian minority. 

    In addition to threats to their safety, harassment, and intimidation, Christians and other religious minorities in Syria face increasing and systemic economic discrimination. Reports indicate that many are denied access to public sector employment, excluded from key roles in the private sector, and often encounter barriers when renewing business licenses or seeking state services. This economic marginalization leaves religious minority families in a highly vulnerable position and continues to drive the emigration and decline of one of Syria’s oldest religious communities. 

    The resolution was adopted as a joint motion pursuant to Rule 136(4) and 150 of the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, referring to breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The joint motion was tabled by several major political groups, signaling broad consensus on the need to address religious persecution in Syria. 

    “We call on the European Commission to reappoint, without further delay, a Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU,” said Adina Portaru, Senior Counsel for ADF International in Brussels. “This would be an important step in showing much-needed, real commitment to protecting this fundamental right worldwide.” 

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    Musk sets sights on EU online censorship law after Australian free speech win

    • X owner endorses repeal of EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA)
    • On Tuesday, X and Canadian campaigner Chris ‘Billboard Chris’ Elston were successful in striking down an Australian government order from the country’s eSafety Commissioner, that censored Elston’s X post. The legal challenge was coordinated by ADF International and the Human Rights Law Alliance
    • Recent investigative report by the US House Judiciary Committee called out international censorship, including from Australia’s eSafety Commissioner and DSA

    BRUSSELS (3 July 2025) – Elon Musk has set his sights on an EU online censorship law, following his free speech win in Australia earlier this week.

    The tech billionaire said “Yes” in response to an X post from ADF International, a Christian legal advocacy organisation that defends free speech, which said: “Today, the EU takes a significant step toward strengthening online censorship, transforming the ‘Code of Conduct on Disinformation’ into a mandatory part of the Digital Services Act.

    “The DSA threatens free speech across the world and must be repealed.”

    On Tuesday, an Australian tribunal upheld a challenge from X and Canadian campaigner Chris ‘Billboard Chris’ Elston, striking down a government order that censored Elston’s X post. The legal challenge was coordinated by ADF International and the Human Rights Law Alliance of Australia.

    Elston’s February 2024 X post referred to controversial WHO “expert” appointee Teddy Cook by her biologically accurate pronouns. The post was deemed “cyber abuse” by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, which ordered X to remove the content, under the country’s Online Safety Act.

    Following a week-long hearing commencing March 31, 2025, the Administrative Review Tribunal in Melbourne ruled this week that the eSafety Commissioner made the wrong decision in determining Elston’s post was “cyber abuse” and set aside the decision. Read more about the win here.

    Paul Coleman, an international lawyer specialising in free speech and ADF International’s Executive Director, said: “From the EU’s Digital Services Act to Australia’s Online Safety Act, laws restricting free speech online follow a similar censorial playbook across the world.

    “Through legislation like these, we are today witnessing a coordinated global attack on free speech. Elon Musk is right to stand up to DSA censorship and use his platform to advocate for free speech online.

    “Following our free speech win in Australia, ADF International we will continue to challenge online censorship in the digital marketplace of ideas.”

    Code of Conduct on Disinformation

    ADF International’s thread on X, which Musk re-posted with his comment, said: “Today [1 July], the EU takes a significant step toward strengthening online censorship, transforming the ‘Code of Conduct on Disinformation’ into a mandatory part of the Digital Services Act. The DSA threatens free speech across the world and must be repealed.

    “The EU’s DSA has created one of the most dangerous censorship regimes of the digital age. It is an authoritarian framework that enables unelected bureaucrats to control online speech at scale—both in Europe and globally—under the guise of ‘safety’ and ‘protecting democracy’.

    “The DSA is a legally binding regulatory framework that gives the European Commission authority to enforce ‘content moderation’ on very large online platforms and search engines with over 45 million users per month. Platforms that fail to comply face massive financial penalties and even suspension.

    “It requires platforms to remove ‘illegal content,’ defined as anything not in compliance with EU or Member State law at any time, now or in the future. This creates the ‘lowest common denominator’ for censorship across the EU, effectively exporting the most restrictive laws to all Member States. The DSA’s approach to loose concepts such as ‘misinformation,’ ‘disinformation,’ ‘hate speech,’ and ‘information manipulation’ may lead to wide-sweeping removal of online content.”

    US House Judiciary Committee report

    An investigative report by the House Judiciary Committee recently exposed Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant’s coordination with international bodies to censor lawful online speech.

    In addition to the eSafety Commissioner, it also called out DSA censorship, saying: “In recent years, foreign governments have adopted legislation and created regulatory regimes in an effort to target and restrict various forms of online speech.

    “Foreign regulators have even attempted to use their authority to restrict the content that American citizens can view online while in the United States. In particular, the European Commission (EC) and Australia’s eSafety Commissioner have taken steps to limit the types of content that Americans are able to access on social media platforms.”

    The report went on to discuss the DSA and said: “Vague, overly burdensome regulations targeted at so-called ‘systemic risks’ create an environment in which platforms are more likely to remove or demote lawful content to avoid potential fines. The ability of European regulations to exert extraterritorial influence over American companies and consumers in this manner is often referred to as the ‘Brussels Effect.’”

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    Pictured: Paul Coleman, Chris Elston with ADF International’s Lois McLatchie Miller, Chris Elston 

    U.S. Government calls out Australian authorities for blocking online speech; Musk, “Billboard Chris” win case to overturn censorship of biologically-accurate “X” post 

    • Investigative report by the House Judiciary Committee exposes Australian “eSafety Commissioner” Julie Inman-Grant’s co-ordination with international bodies to censor lawful online speech
    • eSafety Commissioner lost battle to censor post using biologically-accurate pronouns against Musk, Billboard Chris this week

    Washington/Sydney (2 July 2025) – The Australian government’s authority to censor opinions expressed on “X” is under scrutiny after an investigation by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee into the activities of Australia’s “eSafety Commissioner”, Julie Inman-Grant. 

    The groundbreaking report into international state censorship highlights concerns only days before news broke of a legal win for free speech against the same State Office. 

    “This is a decisive win for free speech and sets an important precedent in the growing global debate over online censorship."

    - Paul Coleman, Executive Director of ADF International, which co-ordinated Elston's legal case

    Elon Musk’s “X”, and children’s safety campaigner Chris Elston (“Billboard Chris”), challenged the eSafety Commissioner’s decision to censor a tweet using biologically-accurate pronouns to describe a trangender activist appointed to an “expert” position on gender at the WHO. 

    Elston’s post was deemed “cyber abuse” by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, which ordered X to remove the content. X initially refused, and later geo-blocked the post in Australia.  

    Both X and Elston challenged the order, arguing that the censorship was a violation of the fundamental right to free speech. Elston’s legal challenge was coordinated by ADF International, in conjunction with the Human Rights Law Alliance in Australia. The Administrative Review Tribunal in Melbourne held a week-long hearing on the case commencing March 31, 2025.  

    The Tribunal found that the eSafety Commissioner made the wrong decision in determining Elston’s post was “cyber abuse” and set aside the decision.    

    In his finding, Deputy President O’Donovan noted compelling words from Elston’s own testimony to evidence his satisfaction that Elston was not engaging in abuse, but rather, expressing his deeply-held convictions about biological truth: 

    “He [Chris] does not believe that a man can transition to being a woman or vice versa. He summarises his position as follows:  

    “Because I believe that sex is immutable, I am personally convicted that I will not use incorrect pronouns to describe any person, including trans-identifying people who identify as the opposite sex. I will use their preferred names, but I only use sex-based pronouns, because I don’t think it is loving, progressive, or ethical to lie to a person and affirm that they are something that they are not. I believe that calling a man a woman (and vice versa) is not only untrue, but also has implications for the rights and safety of women and children.”  

    [141] “I am satisfied that it is his universal practice to refer to a transgender person by the pronouns that correspond to their biological sex at birth. I am also satisfied that when he classifies a person as either a man or a woman, he determines which classification to use by reference to their biological sex at birth, rather than the gender related characteristics that they currently express. I am satisfied that he believes doing otherwise has implications for the rights and safety of women and children…” 

    In May, the U.S. State Department condemned the eSafety Commissioner’s actions as part of a broader global trend toward coercive state censorship.   

    U.S. Government reports concerns about international censorship efforts

    The new report released this week from the House Judiciary Committee reveals new evidence showing how an international WEF-linked advertising consortium, the “Global Alliance for Responsible Media” (GARM), leveraged its vast advertising power to coordinate censorship efforts. The GARM was found to be working not only with major global advertisers, but also with foreign regulators, including Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman‑Grant, to suppress disfavoured online speech. 

    In published emails, the report shows that Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman‑Grant explicitly relied on GARM’s insights, stating it “ha[d] some very powerful levers at [its] disposal” and requesting updates to inform her regulatory decisions.  

    The Committee’s report concludes that GARM’s coordinated international efforts—with its commercial might and foreign regulator collusion—constrain citizens’ ability to access content freely, contravening free speech principles, undermining consumer choice, and posing serious antitrust concerns. 

    Comments and reactions

    Reacting to the ruling upholding his freedom to speak the truth on “X”, children’s safety campaigner Chris “Billboard Chris” Elston said: 

    “I’m grateful that truth and common sense have prevailed.  

    “This decision sends a clear message that the government does not have authority to silence peaceful expression.  

    “My mission is to speak the truth about gender ideology, protecting children across the world from its dangers.  

    “With this ruling, the court has upheld my right to voice my convictions—a right that belongs to every one of us.  

    My post should never have been censored in Australia, but my hope is that authorities will now think twice before resorting to censorship”.   

    Paul Coleman, Executive Director of ADF International, which co-ordinated Elston’s legal challenge said: 

    “This is a decisive win for free speech and sets an important precedent in the growing global debate over online censorship.  

    “In this case, the Australian government alarmingly censored the peaceful expression of a Canadian citizen on an American-owned platform, evidence of the expansive reach of censorial forces, even beyond national borders.  

    “Today, free speech has prevailed. This is a victory not just for Billboard Chris, but for every Australian—and indeed every citizen who values the fundamental right to free speech.” 

    In a post responding to the news, “X” Global Government Affairs Team said: 

    “In a victory for free speech, X has won its legal challenge against the Australian eSafety Commissioner’s demand to censor a user’s post about gender ideology or face an approximately $800,000 AUD fine. The post is part of a broader political discussion involving issues of public interest that are subject to legitimate debate.  This is a decisive win for free speech in Australia and around the world. X will continue to fight against coercive state censorship and to defend our users’ rights to free speech.” 

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    Pictured: Chris Elston; Chris Elston with ADF International’s Lois McLatchie Miller at the Sydney Opera House; Chris Elston with the ADF International team who co-ordinated his legal case

    Free Speech Victory in Australia for Billboard Chris as “X” post censorship overturned  

    • Tribunal upholds speech rights of Canadian campaigner Chris “Billboard Chris” Elston, striking down a government order that censored his X post under the country’s Online Safety Act.

    • Censored X post referred to controversial WHO “expert” appointee Teddy Cook by her biologically accurate pronouns.

    • Censorship case, coordinated by ADF International and the Human Rights Law Alliance, raised alarm over expanding global censorship powers and cross-border restrictions on speech.

    MELBOURNE (1 July 2025) – The Administrative Review Tribunal has ruled in favor of Canadian campaigner Chris “Billboard Chris” Elston, striking down a government order that sought to censor his post on X under the country’s Online Safety Act.  

    Elston’s February 2024 post criticized the appointment of controversial WHO “expert” appointee Teddy Cook, and referred to her with biologically accurate pronouns. Elston’s post was deemed “cyber abuse” by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, which ordered X to remove the content. X initially refused, and later geo-blocked the post in Australia. 

    Both X and Elston challenged the order, arguing that the censorship was a violation of the fundamental right to free speech. Elston’s legal challenge was coordinated by ADF International, in conjunction with the Human Rights Law Alliance in Australia. The Administrative Review Tribunal in Melbourne held a week-long hearing on the case commencing March 31, 2025. 

    The Tribunal found that the eSafety Commissioner made the wrong decision in determining Elston’s post was “cyber abuse” and set aside the decision.   

    “This is a decisive win for free speech and sets an important precedent in the growing global debate over online censorship. In this case, the Australian government alarmingly censored the peaceful expression of a Canadian citizen on an American-owned platform, evidence of the expansive reach of censorial forces, even beyond national borders. Today, free speech has prevailed."

    - Paul Coleman, Executive Director of ADF International

    “This is a victory not just for Billboard Chris, but for every Australian—and indeed every citizen who values the fundamental right to free speech,” Coleman continued.

    The decision comes amid growing international concern over the Australian government’s expansive censorship powers. In May, the U.S. State Department condemned the eSafety Commissioner’s actions as part of a broader global trend toward coercive state censorship. 

    “I’m grateful that truth and common sense have prevailed,” said Chris Elston. “This decision sends a clear message that the government does not have authority to silence peaceful expression. My mission is to speak the truth about gender ideology, protecting children across the world from its dangers. With this ruling, the court has upheld my right to voice my convictions—a right that belongs to every one of us. My post should never have been censored in Australia, but my hope is that authorities will now think twice before resorting to censorship”. 

    More details on Billboard Chris’ censorship case available here. 

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    U.K. Premiere of “Live Not By Lies” Shines Spotlight on Erosion of Freedom in the West 

    • Feature premiere of timely documentary highlights erosion of freedom of expression in Britain, including through recent prosecutions of citizens who have silently prayed near abortion facilities 

    • NYT Bestselling author Rod Dreher, film writer/director Isaiah Smallman, and victims of state censorship including Adam Smith-Connor (convicted for silent prayer) to attend black tie evening on Monday 30th June 

    LONDON (26 June 2025) – On 30 June, thought leaders, journalists, and advocates for liberty will gather in London for the U.K. gala premiere of Live Not By Lies, a powerful new documentary from Root/Cause and Angel Studios.  

    Based on the bestselling book by Rod Dreher, the documentary issues a stark warning about the quiet rise of authoritarianism in Western democracies—an erosion of fundamental freedoms long thought secure. 

    The exclusive screening of the film in central London will be opened with remarks from public commentator Konstantin Kisin, reflecting on his family’s experience as dissidents living under the Soviet Union.  

    "Live Not By Lies exposes disturbing parallels between Soviet-era totalitarian regimes and the ideological pressures mounting today in the United Kingdom and beyond."

    - Isaiah Smallman, Filmmaker

    The documentary screening will be followed with a panel discussion and opportunity for dialogue with leading voices on freedom of speech, conscience, and association, including bestselling author Rod Dreher and filmmaker Isaiah Smallman. 

    “Live Not By Lies exposes disturbing parallels between Soviet-era totalitarian regimes and the ideological pressures mounting today in the United Kingdom and beyond. Through chilling testimony and rigorous analysis, the film compels viewers to consider the real cost of staying silent in the face of encroaching censorship and compelled ideology,” commented filmmaker Isaiah Smallman.  

    “As we witness what’s happening in the streets and courtrooms of today’s West – where citizens face prosecution for voicing their beliefs online, or even praying silently in their heads near abortion facilities – this documentary is a timely reminder that the right to free expression must be zealously defended,” added ADF International spokesperson Lois McLatchie Miller, featured in the film discussing the legal organisation’s cases defending individuals prosecuted for peaceful expression in abortion facility “buffer zones”. 

    Amongst other examples, the documentary examines the story of Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, who was arrested in 2022 for praying silently near an abortion facility in Birmingham.

    Vaughan-Spruce was charged, tried, found innocent, and re-arrested weeks later for the very same activity. After several months of investigation, with support from ADF International, Vaughan-Spruce received £13,000 compensation from police. However, attempts to criminalise silent prayer continue across the country.  

    The event is by invitation only. Media interested in covering the premiere and panel discussion are encouraged to contact Lois McLatchie Miller by June 27th.  

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    Pictured: Lois McLatchie Miller, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce