The NSW Police Force says it has been officially uninvited from marching in the Mardi Gras parade.
It follows the alleged murder of Sydney same-sex couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies by a serving NSW Police officer who was a former partner of Baird.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb told The Daily Telegraph newspaper she was notified of the Mardi Gras decision after the organisation’s board met on Monday night to discuss the police’s participation in the march.
“We are humans, we are representative of the community we serve and so we should be there,” Webb told The Daily Telegraph.
“I can’t understand the logic behind it [the decision to uninvite police].
“I get the distrust and the concern about this matter but don’t brand the whole organisation because of the actions of one individual.
“Conversations we’ve been having are around the underreporting of crimes in the queer community. How is this going to help that?
“I am disappointed, I find it illogical really.”
The Telegraph newspaper reported that several members of the Mardi Gras board are trying to have the decision reviewed.
When contacted, Mardi Gras board member Luc Velez – who represents the Pride in Protest activist group – said he was unable to comment and that Gay Sydney News should instead contact Mardi Gras for comment.
Mardi Gras has been contacted by GSN for comment.
NSW Police confirmed to GSN the decision by Mardi Gras.
“The NSW Police Force has been advised that the board of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has decided to withdraw the invitation to NSW Police to participate in this year’s event,” a police spokesperson said.
“While disappointed with this outcome, NSW Police will continue to work closely with the LGBTIQA+ community and remain committed to working with organisers to provide a safe environment for all those participating in and supporting this Saturday’s parade.”
NSW Police constable Beau Lamarre-Condon is accused of murdering Davies and Baird last week. Their bodies are yet to be found.
For several years there has been a push by activists to have police banned from marching in the parade.
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
