Conservative activists raised alarms about freedom of speech in Europe after they were arrested in Brussels while protesting against transgender medical treatments for children. Chris Elston, often referred to as “Billboard Chris,” and Royce McClatchy Miller, from Alliance Defending Freedom International, shared their experiences following their release from police custody amidst a hostile crowd.
Elston, known for his public demonstrations against child transgender healthcare, was in Belgium with Miller, both displaying signs bearing messages like “Children are never born in the wrong body” and “Children cannot consent to puberty blockers.” However, instead of a receptive audience, they encountered significant opposition.
Reflecting on the incident, Elston described the situation as “uncontrolled abuse and harassment,” stating that Brussels felt like the most “woke” city he had engaged with during his five-year campaign. He recounted an unsettling moment when a glass bottle was thrown, narrowly missing a young girl.
Miller, meanwhile, experienced persistent harassment. They sought police assistance, only to be told they would be arrested if they did not remove their signs. They were subsequently detained, searched, had their signs confiscated, and were released after three hours without formal charges. “It seemed they preferred to remove us rather than manage the unruly crowd,” Elston noted.
The activists were in Brussels not only to protest but also to discuss policy issues with European Parliament members. Miller expressed her shock at being detained in a city typically associated with freedom of speech. She emphasized the importance of advocating for expression rights, especially in light of rising hostility towards free speech in Europe.
JD Vance, a prominent political figure, has issued warnings regarding threats to free speech on the continent, citing personal experiences of arrest and censorship during a prayer protest in Germany. Miller echoed these sentiments, suggesting that their arrest symbolizes a broader crisis for expression in Europe.
Despite this, both activists remained hopeful. Elston mentioned that several European countries, including Finland and the UK, have begun restricting or banning puberty blockers for minors. He expressed confidence that awareness is growing, asserting that the conversation around children’s transition is becoming increasingly significant in political discussions, affecting voter sentiments across party lines.
Miller reiterated the necessity of love and affirmation for children, arguing that they don’t need medical interventions to validate their identities. She warned that if free speech is compromised in Europe—traditionally seen as a bastion of democracy—it could set a troubling precedent for the rest of the world.
Brussels police have not yet commented on the incident. Elston believes that an emerging global movement is questioning the approach to youth transitioning, which he sees as a critical issue influencing public opinion significantly.
