Brussels, 17th April 2024 - In a significant victory for free speech, the Belgian justice system has granted permission for the conference on National Conservatism to resume its activities today. The conference, which was initially shut down by authorities due to its conservative beliefs on issues such as abortion, marriage, and the European Union, will proceed without further interference from state authorities.

Supported by ADF International, the conference organizers filed a legal challenge against the decision to prohibit the event from continuing since 12th April. The venue had been surrounded by police, resulting in speakers and guests being denied access. However, the Conseil d'État, Belgium's highest court for public administration matters, ruled in favor of the conference, citing Article 26 of the Constitution which grants the right to peacefully assemble.

The court concluded that there was no significant threat of violence to justify the authorities' decision to cancel the conference. It noted that any potential disturbance to public order stemmed from the anticipated reactions of opponents rather than the conference itself. This ruling is seen as a reaffirmation of the fundamental rights to assembly and free speech.

One of the conference speakers and Executive Director of ADF International, Paul Coleman, expressed satisfaction at the court's decision. He emphasized the importance of protecting basic human rights and criticized the use of censorship to silence opposing viewpoints. Coleman questioned the commitment to democratic principles if officials in Brussels only allow one side of the European conversation to be heard.

The order to shut down the conference was issued by the mayor of the Saint-Josse-ten-Noode district in Brussels, citing the conference's ethically conservative viewpoint and its focus on national sovereignty and Euroscepticism. The decision further claimed a concern for public order and peace. However, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo condemned the actions of the Brussels authorities, highlighting that banning political meetings is unconstitutional.

The National Conservatism Conference faced political pressure before finding its third hotel venue near the European Quarter. Emir Kir, the mayor responsible for sending police to shut down the event, has previously faced criticism for his meetings with far-right political organizations. The legal challenge against the ban was filed by Belgian lawyer Wouter Vaassen, supported by ADF International.

The decision to allow the conference to continue has been welcomed by advocates for freedom of speech. Lawyer Wouter Vaassen expressed relief that the court rightfully blocked the attempt to shut down the conference. He stressed that safeguarding fundamental freedoms is crucial to prevent the normalization of censorship in society.

The Belgian court's ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights to assembly and freedom of speech, even when opinions differ. As the conference on National Conservatism proceeds, it represents a victory for the democratic principles of open discourse and the free exchange of ideas.