The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organisation will allow NSW Police to march in Saturday’s parade without their uniform, reversing an earlier decision by its board to uninvite the policing agency.
“I am delighted that our LGBTQIA+ officers, as well as our other police who are allies and supporters, will be allowed to march this year as they have done for the past 20 years,” NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said just after 4pm on Wednesday.
It follows the alleged domestic violence murder of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies by a serving NSW Police officer who has been stood down without pay.
“Police have agreed not [to] march in uniform, in consideration of current sensitivities,” Webb said.
“The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an important event on the NSW Police calendar and as commissioner, I am committed to continuing to strengthen the relationship between my organisation and the LGBTQIA+ community. I thank the Mardi Gras Board for the cordial discussions over the past few days.”
The Mardi Gras organisation said: “…an agreement was reached that LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officers (GLLO), LGBTQIA+ officers, and their allies and supporters will participate in this year’s parade”.
Mardi Gras said police will participate “in a reduced capacity” to the originally planned NSW Police float.
“To address concerns from the community the GLLO participants will march in the 2024 Parade out of uniform,” Mardi Gras said.
“This weekend’s Parade is a beacon of hope, pride, celebration and inclusivity – this outcome allows for GLLO’s who volunteer their time and service to the community to participate in the event in a considered and respectful way as we navigate this tragedy together.”
Mardi Gras said its discussion with police and Police Minister Yasmin Catle also explored the police commitment to – and implementation of – an external strategic LGBTQIA+ advisory panel working with the NSW Police following the recommendations of the Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes.
This would, Mardi Gras said, ensure “the advancement of representation and that the commissioner is adequately informed on issues impacting the community, including LGBTQIA+ domestic violence”.
“It was also recognised in the discussion that greater communication and understanding is needed between police, [the] NSW government, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and the broader LGBTQIA+ community,” Mardi Gras said.
“Police and LGBTQIA+ communities have shared a difficult history, which must inform the continued development of communication and collaboration.”
Meanwhile, the Australian Federal Police announced on Tuesday that it would pull out of the parade.
“Noting news reports that the Sydney Mardi Gras board had asked NSW Police not to march, the AFP has also made the decision not to march,” the federal police said on Tuesday.
“This decision was not taken lightly, but we acknowledge how some in the community are feeling about the blue uniform.
“We have informed the event organisers of the decision.
“While the AFP feels a deep connection and service to LGBTQI+ community, we understand their hurt because of a number of recent events.
“We must always remember that this is an event for, and about LGBTQI+ communities, and those people who love and support them.”
The federal police said it had been attending the event for 20 years and hoped to march again next year.
“Most importantly, we hope all participants have a great time on Saturday and enjoy what is truly an amazing and inspiring event,” it said.
Activist group Pride in Protest, which has a member on the Mardi Gras board, branded the reversal of the decision to exclude police as a “betrayal of the queer community”
It said the Mardi Gras board has bowed to “police pressure”.
“Whether in uniform or not, police participation in the Mardi Gras parade is unacceptable,” Pride in Protest said.
“The police have always been violent and hostile toward the queer communities…
“The NSW Police is not an institution that we can trust to keep us safe, and certainly not an institution that should be invited to our parade.
“After a rare instance of the board listening to and responding to the community’s demands for accountability, the Sydney Gras and Lesbian Mardi Gras board has cracked under police pressure and is prioritising appeasing the state government and the police commissioner over the safety and wishes of the queer community.
“In doing so, they are burning any goodwill they may have accrued earlier this week.”
Editor’s note: Grubb is a Mardi Gras member for discount purposes only.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
