A planned pro-Palestine rally in Brisbane has been blocked by a Queensland court, but organisers say they may still go ahead — including the possibility of marching on the city’s iconic Story Bridge.

Chief Magistrate Janelle Brassington ruled on Thursday that the planned Sunday protest, which was expected to include a march across the Story Bridge, posed safety risks that outweighed the group’s application for approval. The court’s decision followed arguments from police that the protest could endanger participants and the wider public.

However, outside Brisbane Magistrates Court, Justice for Palestine Magan-djin spokesperson Remah Naji said the group was not ruling out a bridge march and confirmed the protest would still convene at Raymond Park at 1pm on Sunday.

“We’re going to make a decision publicly over the next couple of days,” Naji told reporters, adding that an appeal of the court decision was under active consideration.

The group’s lawyer, Angus Scott, had argued in court that denying the permit wouldn’t necessarily increase public safety, since demonstrators may proceed with or without formal approval.

Magistrate Brassington clarified that her ruling did not make the planned protest illegal but removed the legal protections normally granted to authorised public assemblies — leaving participants exposed to potential civil or criminal consequences.

Despite the legal setback, Naji said she was prepared to be arrested for the cause. “Personally, I’m prepared to do everything in my power to pressure my government to act in accordance with international law,” she stated, underscoring the group’s commitment to continue their advocacy for Gaza despite mounting legal and political challenges.

The situation remains fluid as protest organisers weigh their next legal and strategic steps ahead of the weekend.