Peace activist Danny Lim launches constitutional challenge over $500 fine for targeting Tony Abbott

PEACE activist Danny Lim is mounting a constitutional challenge over a $500 fine for brandishing a sign targeting former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

SIGN-wearing activist Danny Lim is mounting a constitutional challenge as he declares his fight against a $500 fine is “far from over”.

Mr Lim copped the infringement in August, 2015 after he was pulled up by police for brandishing a sign targeting former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

The sign read: ‘Peace smile. People can change. Tony you can’t,’ but the ‘a’ in ‘can’t’ was printed upside down, to hint at the use of the obscenity.

Peace activist Danny Lim and his sign.

Mr Lim is a regular around the inner city.

Police argued the sign constituted “offensive behaviour” — a claim Mr Lim vehemently rejects.

Yesterday, the 74-year-old traded his signature “sandwich board sign” for a four-piece suit as he fronted Sydney’s Downing Centre to appeal the charge.

Mr Lim’s lawyer, Danny Wrench, argued his client had “reasonable excuse under freedom of information and communications” to have used the language in the sign.

Mr Wrench, who has taken the case pro-bono, said because it was a constitutional challenge, other states in Australia will have be notified before the case can proceed.

The appeal comes after hundreds of Mr Lim’s supporters rallied behind a crowd-funding campaign to pay off the $500 fine.

But Mr Lim refused to accept the donation, saying he was determined to fight the case in court.

Speaking from the Downing Centre Court, the self described “social activist” said he was prepared to “go all the way to the High Court” if he has to.

Peace activist Danny Lim before heading into court. Picture: John Appleyard

“It’s become a matter of principle,” he said.

“It comes down to freedom of speech because for me, political correctness has gone too far.

“My signs are not intended to be offensive ... they’re about peace, love and to make people smile.”

Mr Lim’s signs have also targeted the likes of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and US President Donald Trump.

They also address issues such as global warming and Japan’s whaling program.

Peace activist Danny Lim straightens his tie before heading into court yesterday, fined for displaying a Tony Abbott placard deemed offensive. Picture: John Appleyard

Mr Lim said he draws inspiration from the “people and sights” around him — describing “everyone as a teacher.”

He is scheduled to reappear in the Downing Centre on March 13.