As the work of HRLA continues to increase, we had the opportunity to gather last week to host an Alliance Event in Melbourne. The evening provided participants with an opportunity to thank HRLA’s founding philanthropists, express appreciation to current Alliance lawyers, connect with prospective new lawyers looking to join the Alliance, and welcome newly graduated HRLA Legal Academy students.

The event was also a chance to honour courageous HRLA clients and the growing work of the Alliance in protecting freedom of religion for everyday Australians. A short film gave guests an overview of some of the cases the Alliance is working on.

We were privileged to hear from three of our current clients, and one prospective client, about their own cases, and the way that HRLA has assisted them to defend truth and their rights to freedom of speech, conscience and religion.

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Jillian Spencer shared about her ongoing action against the Queensland Children’s Hospital. She spoke about some of the harmful practices she has witnessed in her work with children, why she has risked her career by standing up against the affirmation model and her thoughts on the vulnerability of gender confused children and the obligation for responsible adults to advocate for them.

Dr Jereth Kok, a GP of more than 15 years, spoke about the impact of being suspended for five years from his GP practice and the way this has affected his family financially and mentally He also spoke about why the legal challenge of his suspension is so important for freedom of speech in Australia.

Breastfeeding expert Jasmine Sussex shared about why she became a breastfeeding counsellor, the importance of this role for new mothers, and the consequences of opposing the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s new positions on gender ideology. HRLA is helping Jasmine to defend herself from a vilification claim brought by a transgender-identifying man after sharing her view that men cannot breastfeed, and that the practice of men inducing breastfeeding to affirm their gender identities is cruel and unethical.

Mel Jefferies is one of the growing number of vulnerable young Australians who regrets her attempt to alter her body via hormones and surgery for gender affirmation. Mel bravely spoke about her struggles as a teenager, her experience of major transition surgery, the harms of activist-led health care, and the chilling impact Victoria’s Conversion Therapy Laws has had on her ability to recover and move on as a detransitioner.

These clients all emphasised what HRLA’s representation and defence means to them, in allowing them to call on experts who not only have the ability and skill to defend them, but are also committed to supporting their values and fundamental freedoms. Their stories are a testament to the importance of the work of HRLA.

Every day, HRLA is called upon to take on an increasing number of cases, reflecting a growing need for representation. As we expand our community of support and resources to help protect the rights and freedoms of ordinary Australians, HRLA's work has never been more important.

Find out more about the work of HRLA here.