‘Billboard Chris’ taken into custody for opposing child transgender therapies

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Belgian police recently supported a group of conservative activists in Brussels, who were voicing their opposition to transgender treatment for children. The notable figures involved were Chris Elston, known as “Billboard Chris,” and Lois McClatchy Miller from the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). They were arrested during a protest but released a few hours later without charges, although police ordered them to dispose of their signs.

Elston expressed frustration, stating, “We were arrested for simply speaking the truth: No children are born in the wrong body.” He also mentioned that they felt threatened during the protest and had called the police for protection, but ended up being arrested instead.

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This incident occurred in a context where free speech seems to be increasingly at risk. An international representative from ADF remarked that it is concerning that speaking up for children can lead to arrest, raising questions about the freedom to discuss significant issues openly.

Elston is recognized for his public demonstrations against transgender treatment for youth, often displaying signs with slogans such as “Children are never born in the wrong body.” During the protest, he and Miller were seen wearing similar billboards, which drew a considerable crowd.

In a video recorded just before his arrest, Elston described the chaotic atmosphere, saying, “We’ve experienced a lot of harassment over the last hour. We are calm and having a conversation about a major scandal in modern medicine regarding children.”

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Before their detainment, Elston explained how they had sought police intervention due to harassment, only for the officers to order them to clean up their signs instead. He stated, “We called the police because someone was trying to stop us from filming and following Lois. When the police showed up, they told us to clean up our signs.” He casually noted his acceptance of the arrest, saying, “That’s fine. Go ahead.”

According to a press release from ADF International, both activists were taken to different police stations, underwent a search, and were released a few hours later. Paul Coleman, the Executive Director of ADF International, condemned the Brussels authorities for failing to uphold free speech rights and instead siding with the mob that called for their arrest.

He added, “This authoritarian behavior is something we oppose in other parts of the world, and it’s unnerving to see it in Europe.” While ADF expressed gratitude that their colleagues were released safely, concerns linger about the treatment they received.