Victoria Police won’t march at Midsumma Pride Festival after torrent of abuse, violence in 2024

Victoria Police will not march at next month’s Midsumma Pride Festival after their request to wear police uniforms was declined by event organisers.

Police will not march at this year’s Midsumma festival after their request to wear uniform was knocked back. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Victoria Police will not participate in next month’s Pride March after violent clashes marred last year’s Midsumma Festival at St Kilda.

Festival organisers this week announced a trial banning participants from wearing workplace uniforms in the upcoming march after a group of protesters confronted Victorian police officers wearing their uniforms in 2024.

The force has withdrawn from attending the event after organisers rejected their request for permission to wear the police uniform. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The force has withdrawn from attending the event after organisers rejected their request for permission to wear the police uniform.

Victoria Police said the decision was a “backwards step” for inclusivity.

“We had asked organisers for permission to march in uniform without tactical equipment as in previous years but this was declined,” police said in a statement.

“Organisers would only allow police to take part if they wore plain clothes or a branded polo. We believe this would be a backwards step for inclusions, especially from our LGBTIQA+ employees who simply want to celebrate being their authentic selves.

“Victoria Police continues to work towards building trust with the LGBTIQA+ community.”

A group of protesters clashed with police at last year’s event. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A Midsumma spokeswoman said all LGBTQIA+ community members and allies were welcome to participate if they met all entry conditions, which includes adhering to the no-uniform rule.

“We are disappointed in the decision by Victoria Police not to participate but respect the rights of any group who may choose not to participate,” she said.

Police participation in the large-scale sexual and gender diversity event has remained controversial.

On Tuesday, organisers said they had been in ongoing talks with police and government stakeholders before bringing in the “trauma-informed” approach, which was a direct result of last year’s “unacceptable violence”.

The force have opted not to march at the weekend. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Police last year lashed a group of dozens of protesters who hurled abuse and paint bombs at the 100 police members at the last march.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, who was among those officers, said in February that he had “nothing but contempt” for the group’s behaviour.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines echoed the Commissioner’s comments, saying the state government condemned the behaviour of the rogue group, who made up about 50 of the march’s 15,000 total attendees.

“You don’t get to bring your views to the table and discuss them or promote them when you’re acting like a thug,” he said.

Uniform police will still be on duty at the march to ensure public safety.

Originally published as Victoria Police won’t march at Midsumma Pride Festival after torrent of abuse, violence in 2024