In a landmark legal case, the first individual to be prosecuted under Queensland’s controversial hate speech legislation has made a court appearance. The case centers on 34-year-old Liam James Parry, who was apprehended in March outside the state’s parliament building. His arrest followed allegations that he uttered the phrase “from the river to the sea” during a student-led demonstration advocating for Palestinian rights.

Parry now faces charges for publicly voicing what has been deemed a prohibited phrase — one purported to intimidate, harass, or offend members of the public. This phrase, along with “globalise the intifada,” has been classified as hate speech under Queensland’s newly enacted laws aimed at combating anti-Semitism.

Speaking to reporters after a brief court session where his bail was extended, Parry described the situation as “surreal and dangerous,” particularly in light of the potential two-year prison sentence he faces. He expressed his intention to contest the charges brought against him.

Queensland has banned the phrases ‘from the river to the sea’ and ‘globalise the intifada’, categorising them as hate speech against Jewish people under new ‘fighting anti-Semitism’ legislation.

Parry said it was ‘surreal and dangerous’ that he was facing a potential sentence of two years’ imprisonment while speaking to media after having his bail continued following a brief court appearance on Wednesday.

‘I’m contesting these charges,’ he said.

‘It’s an important moment in Queensland right now. the government is trying to criminalise pro-Palestine advocacy. We can’t accept that.’

‘I don’t think there was anything hateful or menacing about my speech. My speech was about standing up for the people of Palestine,’ he said.

The phrase ‘From the river’ to the sea is controversial because some interpret it as a call for Palestinian freedom, while others see it as implying the elimination of Israel.

Liam James Parry (pictured) was charged with publicly reciting a prohibited expression that might make a member of the public feel menaced, harassed or offended

It followed his arrest in March outside state parliament after he allegedly said the phrase ‘from the river to the sea’ at a student protest in support of Palestine

Parry is contesting the charges, and denies that he used phrases with anti-Semitic intent

As Parry entered Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday for his first appearance, a pro‑Palestine protester, Mark Gillespie, displayed a sign on his chest.

The sign read ‘from the sea to the river Palestine will live forever’ as Mr Gillespie stood outside court.

Mr Gillespie was taken aside by police who were monitoring the protest and spoken to for a few minutes.

He told media he agreed to stop displaying the sign, as the police told him he would be arrested otherwise.

Inside court, Parry sat at the bar table with his solicitor, Ella Scoles, who sought to have the matter adjourned for three weeks.

Magistrate Louise Shepherd ordered the matter to return to court on April 29. The police prosecutor did not oppose Parry being granted bail again.

Parry briefly addressed the crowd of protesters who had been chanting continuously outside court during his appearance.

Parry is the first person charged under contentious laws against anti-Semitism that were brough in by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli in March this year

‘Thanks everybody for coming out. This is an ongoing matter. We need to keep speaking out for Palestine,’ Parry said.

Parry said the presence of protesters at his court appearance was a sign people would not accept their civil liberties being taken away. He denied he used phrases with anti-Semitic intent.

He said the police’s treatment of Mr Gillespie over his poster was ‘shocking’.

Queensland is the first in Australia to criminalise the two protest chants, although the idea has been explored in federal and other state and territory governments.

Premier David Crisafulli said the reforms were the strongest protections to address the growing threats faced by the community and were making Queensland safer.

‘This is about drawing a clear line – and stamping out the embers of hatred that were allowed to burn unchecked for too long – to ensure we protect Queenslanders,’ he said when the legislation was passed.

‘The Jewish community has been clear: Queensland needs stronger legislation backed by real enforcement to drive out antisemitism, and that is exactly what we are delivering.’

The anti-vilification bill gained the support of organisations such as the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, though it highlighted the need for amendments in a submission during the consultation period.

People show support for Parry at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday

Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president Jason Steinberg said the reforms would make the Jewish community feel safer, more protected, and confident.

‘For the past two and a half years, the Jewish community has endured unprecedented levels of hate, intimidation and fear and the reforms send a clear message that antisemitism and hate have no place in Queensland,’ he said.

‘This is not only a welcome and necessary step for Jewish people, it is vital for rebuilding the confidence we have lost as hatred has run rampant.’

The laws have also come under fire from human and civil rights groups.

Queensland Council for Civil Liberties Vice President Terry O’Gorman said the Premier boasted when announcing the new laws were an Australian first.

‘That’s correct because other states and territories have baulked at criminalising chants and placards at public protests as a step too far,’ he said.

The Human Rights Law Centre added that the laws threaten freedom of expression.

‘These rushed laws will not improve community safety or reduce hate in Queensland,’ senior lawyer Arif Hussein said.

‘Instead, the Crisafulli Government is turning the temperature up by passing laws which increase division, discrimination, and suppress peaceful political communication.

‘We urge the Crisafulli Government to instead invest in evidence‑based, community‑led prevention and education initiatives that promote inclusion and build cross‑community understanding.’