Demonstrators free from hate

TWO Lismore protesters who chained themselves to an anti-marriage-equality truck last March so that it couldn't complete its trip from Sydney to Brisbane have been dismissed without charge in Lismore Courthouse this week.

Troy Dunn and Amber McBride (aka international performer Fanny Waterfalls) faced court after NSW Police charged them with hindering their work.

Mr Dunn and Ms Waterfalls locked themselves onto the vehicle in Cathcart Street last March 17.

All charges against the protesters were dismissed, with the court's decision acknowledging their civil right to protest.

The controversial truck displayed the messages 'The dark side of gay marriage' and 'not my children - not on my watch'.

A group of gay and lesbian activists sprayed paintings, and attached glitter and streamers to the vehicle to protest the truck's message.

Fanny Waterfalls was very happy with the court's decision.

"We received so much support! It warms my heart to see how many people got behind us," she said.

Local mother Valerie Thompson and friends held a rally outside the courtroom dressed as a bride.

"As a mother, lesbian and active contributor to the Lismore community, I was deeply offended and demoralised when the vehicle, whose messages linked gay marriage to child safety, began displaying its vitriolic lies in our region," she said.

Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell congratulated Troy Dunn and Fanny Waterfalls outside the court.