The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal allows parties 28 days after a decision to seek leave to appeal.

On the last day of this period, the two drag queens who originally brought a vilification claim against Lyle Shelton filed an application seeking leave to appeal. They are appealing on questions of law and fact.

This decision once again confirms that when it comes to vilification complaints and anti-discrimination claims, the process is the punishment.

After three and a half years of uncertainty and stress on both himself and his family, Lyle Shelton must now again wait to see if he will be punished for engaging in an important public debate about the welfare of children.

Lyle has expressed his frustration with the process:

The thought of more years of being dragged through tribunals and courts does not thrill me.

The process is definitely the punishment.

If politicians would do their job, our flawed anti-free speech anti-discrimination and anti-vilification laws could be reformed.

Activists with access to taxpayer funded LGBTI legal services should not be allowed to sue their fellow citizens because of hurt feelings in a bid to shut down discussion on matters of public importance.

They should debate, not litigate.

HRLA will continue assisting Lyle through the appeal process.

The reality is that these vilification laws are used as a weapon by activists who seek to silence and shut down those with whom they disagree.

Urgent reform of these laws is needed.