Western Australia Police have charged a man following an extensive investigation into a long-running campaign of hateful flyers targeting Perth’s LGBTQIA+ community.
The development follows months of concern from LGBTQIA+ advocates, politicians, and community leaders, who warned the campaign reflected a wider rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ harassment across Western Australia.
It also comes amid continuing alarm over anti-trans propaganda, attacks targeting gay men through Grindr in Perth, and renewed calls for stronger anti-vilification protections in WA.
Perth LGBTQIA+ residents targeted across multiple suburbs
LGBTQIA+ residents across dozens of Perth suburbs were reportedly targeted between July 2024 and March 2026, with thousands of anonymous leaflets distributed throughout the metropolitan area.
WA Police confirmed detectives from the State Security Investigation Group and Perth Detectives launched a major investigation after approximately 40 reports were made about the material.
Police allege the flyers contained “indecent commentary and images of adult men within the LGBTQIA+ community”, with some also including allegedly obscene images.
On 29 April, detectives executed a search warrant at a Gosnells home and seized electronic devices.
A 47-year-old man has since been charged with five counts of leaving an indecent or obscene article in or upon a place.
He is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on 15 July.
Flyers included false and defamatory claims
The flyers first gained widespread public attention after reports emerged from suburbs including Victoria Park, Subiaco, West Leederville, Highgate, Mount Lawley, Bayswater, Maylands, Dianella, and Gosnells.
Community concern intensified after some of the flyers allegedly included photographs of LGBTQIA+ people alongside false and defamatory claims, including accusations of criminal offending.
Among those targeted was Pride WA board member Gregory Helleren, who has previously spoken publicly about the impact of the campaign.
“I’ve been quite disturbed by it. Not for my on personal safety or reputation but more that this is something that is still happening all these years after gay law reform,” he said.
“The other flyers I’ve seen … the claims are outrageous but they’re plausible enough that your average person looks at it and … goes ‘maybe they do traffic drugs’.”
Helleren said he only became aware he had personally been targeted after being contacted by a family member.
Renewed calls for stronger protections
The campaign has reignited debate about Western Australia’s lack of anti-vilification protections covering sexuality and gender identity.
Advocacy groups argue that existing laws leave LGBTQIA+ people vulnerable to harassment, intimidation, and public targeting.
Misty Farquhar from Rainbow Futures WA previously linked the incidents to broader concerns about escalating hostility.
“Western Australians are understandably anxious. The recent increase in targeted harassment and violence across the country, including a terrorist attack on the Boorloo Invasion Day rally, remind us how quickly division can escalate into real-world harm,” they said.
Heather Corkhill from Equality Australia also criticised gaps in WA’s current legal protections.
“Targeting rainbow families online, inciting violence against trans people, or threatening gay men with flyers is unacceptable – and it demands a strong, coordinated response,” she said.
For Perth’s LGBTQIA+ community, the charge marks a significant development after months of distress and uncertainty. However, advocates say the case also highlights the urgent need for stronger, clearer protections against hate-motivated harassment and vilification in Western Australia.
