The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras organisation has released a statement explaining its decision to uninvite NSW Police from marching in the annual Mardi Gras parade.
Police will still have an active presence at the parade for security and safety purposes but have been told by Mardi Gras that they cannot march.
You can find the Mardi Gras statement quoted in full below:
“Sydney Mardi Gras along with LGBTQIA+ communities across the country have been devastated by the loss of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, whose lives were cut short last week.
“Police have charged a man with their murder, a NSW Police officer who has previously participated in the Mardi Gras Parade.
“In recent days many have voiced their concerns to us, particularly regarding feelings of unease at the Parade.
“Their concerns centre on whether it can still be a space to protest, celebrate, and advocate for equality, as well as to honour and grieve for those we’ve lost, given the NSW Police’s participation in this year’s event.
“Our community needs space to grieve the loss of Jesse and Luke who, before this tragedy, would have been here celebrating with us at the Festival.
“In light of this, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Board feels that having the NSW Police march this year could add to the distress within our communities, already deeply affected by recent events.
“The Board has taken the decision to request that the Police do not march in the 2024 Parade.
“This decision was not made lightly, especially considering that many NSW Police members who participate in the Parade are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community and are navigating the impact of this tragedy alongside us. However, we believe that their participation at this year’s event could intensify the current feelings of sorrow and distress.
“This decision allows space for the community to heal this year and acknowledges the profound grief and strain that we are enduring. This is an opportunity to pause and reflect.
“NSW Police have been notified, and while disappointed, understand the Board’s decision and the Board are meeting with the Police to discuss further.
“Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have worked closely on our event operations with NSW Police over many years, building greater understanding behind the scenes to serve the broader community.
“Through this, we have developed a constructive relationship that has helped us progress towards a more reconciled future between NSW Police and the LGBTQIA+ community.”
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: [email protected]
