“In the pursuit of free speech, I couldn’t ever apologise for pursuing truth in sincerity and good faith”.

When faced with a claim of religious and racial vilification for his remarks about ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremonies, Dave Pellowe, founder of Church and State ministries, decided to take a stand.

Supported by HRLA, Dave defended his fundamental right to freely speak the truth. He was required to attend a compulsory conciliation conference at the Queensland Human Rights Commission in September this year, but this did not resolve the dispute.

His courage and conviction have been rewarded, however, with the complainant failing to progress the complaint any further within the deadline and the Commission closing the matter.

Dave Pellowe has thanked HRLA and the many supporters who financially assisted him with his legal battle:

“This is a very important lesson for everybody, and the victory is really for the lawyers at the HRLA as well as everybody that donated to the fundraising campaign. We probably raised enough money for a dozen cases like mine to be defended.”

Dave also highlighted the broader significance of his case, saying: 

“...the freedom to pursue Truth is worth fighting for, and we all need a shield when the sword of government is tyrannically raised against freedom of speech and religion”.

Speaking to the media, Dave questioned why the complaint was received in the first place. His case is yet another example of the way that vilification laws are used as weapons to silence opponents and those with whom we disagree. Vilification and anti-discrimination laws are particularly challenging because they set a very low threshold for what qualifies as an offence and are easily exploited by those who wish to suppress differing viewpoints. The process really is the punishment, given the time, effort, energy and resources required to respond to a claim, no matter how baseless.

He is also encouraging others to similarly stand up for their convictions:

“Never give up, because you’re not fighting alone, there are right-thinking people like yourself in the media and like the HRLA and so many people who donated to this campaign to make sure that there is a shield against this sort of government”.

Writing on his personal blog, Dave strongly criticises the laws and prevailing zeitgeist that emboldens what he describes as the ‘grievance industry’ and highlights the importance of never giving up in the fight against ‘the perpetual assault’ on our freedom:

“The grievance industry must be reduced… for the sake of arresting and maybe reversing the learned helplessness it promotes among those it claims to help, and for the sake of numerous innocents targeted by activist lawfare.

No nation can long survive the perpetual assault on the freedom to debate which our generation sustains. The freedom to pursue Truth is so sacred, so fundamental to our reason for living that the deprivation of it will surely bring a civilisation to ruin.

HRLA is proud to have represented Dave Pellowe in this matter and commends him for his courage and strength.

His example sends a strong message about the value and importance of standing up for one’s convictions and displaying courage at all times.