in World News ‘Actions Of An Authoritarian Regime’: Duo Arrested In Belgium For Signs Defying Transgenderism
Beth Brelje Visit on Twitter @BethBrelje
Elston said they were taken by van to a police station, stripped down to their underwear, and searched before being put in jail cells.
Standing in a town square, quietly holding a sign, two people were arrested by police Thursday in Brussels, Belgium. The offending message?
“Children are never born in the wrong body.”
Lois McLatchie Miller, a senior legal communications officer for Alliance Defending Freedom International, and Chris Elston, a Canadian advocate for children who goes by the nickname “Billboard Chris,” said they were in police custody for several hours before having their signs confiscated. According to Elston, they were initially told they were being charged with disturbing the peace, but were eventually let go.
The arrest is just the latest instance of government attacks on political speech in European countries that once valued freedom of expression.
The Belgium Constitution claims “Freedom to demonstrate one’s opinions on all matters” is “guaranteed,” but with the caveat that “offences committed when this freedom is used may be punished.”
In a video filmed before the arrest, Elston said police told them they were violating the law but couldn’t name the law when asked which one.
“We’re now being told we’re going to get arrested,” he narrated.