The inaugural individual to face charges under the newly enacted hate speech legislation in Queensland made an appearance in court, coinciding with protests outside the courthouse.

On March 11, a 33-year-old named Liam Parry was taken into custody for chanting the phrase “from the river to the sea” during a demonstration in Brisbane’s central business district.

Additionally, an 18-year-old woman was detained for wearing a singlet that featured the same phrase; however, she was released without any charges being filed against her.

The expressions “from the river to the sea” and “globalise the intifada” have been classified as antisemitic by the Queensland government as well as certain segments of the Jewish community. Their usage with the intent to threaten or offend has been prohibited under the new legislation.

The legislation, which was enacted by the state parliament last month, encompasses both written and spoken forms of these phrases, including those used in chants or on protest signs, carrying potential penalties of up to two years in prison.

Mr. Parry is facing a charge for publicly reciting or displaying a prohibited expression that could reasonably be expected to menace, harass, or offend members of the public.

Outside the court, Mr. Parry received support from numerous pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Among them was 70-year-old Mark Gillespie, who was cautioned by police to remove a sign he was holding that read “from the sea to the river,” a phrase closely resembling the one that has been banned.

The protest was organized by Students for Palestine, who indicated that additional actions are planned for the upcoming month.

Speaking to reporters after the court session, Mr. Parry expressed his intention to contest the charges brought against him. The case was briefly addressed in the Brisbane Magistrates Court and has been postponed until April 29.