Swearing was being used by protesters to "dismiss an argument against marriage equality," the judge found.



Common phrases like "you fucking beauty" show the word "fuck" is a part of the everyday Australian vernacular and no longer deemed vulgar or offensive, the judge said.



The three protesters have described the verdict a "big win for free speech" and "the right to protest", and have vowed to continue to protest for LGBTI rights.

"The police have attempted to scare marriage equality activists out of speaking up against bigotry," Wright said. "They have failed."

“We've won the right to say what we think of Fred Nile,” added Rose, “but with marriage equality still banned by law, the homophobes haven't been defeated.



"We’ll keep protesting until we have our rights, and you can expect a few f-bombs along the way.”